BADAKHSHAN: Fresh and intense clashes have erupted in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province after local armed fighters reportedly shot down a Taliban military helicopter, marking a serious escalation in fighting in the strategically sensitive region bordering Tajikistan.
The helicopter was brought down near the centre of Nusay district during clashes between Taliban forces and fighters loyal to dissident commander Juma Khan Fateh, according to local sources.
🛑درواز، بدخشان؛ د روانې شخړې په منځ کې د ډزو نوې ویډیو مخې ته راغله🛑
سوشل میڈیا پر وائرل ویڈیو میں طالبانی جنگجوؤں کو بدخشان کے سرحد کے قریب واقع علاقے “درواز” میں سنگین فائرنگ کرتے ہوئے دیکھا جا سکتا ہے۔
علاقائی ذرائع کا کہنا ہے کہ یہ مناظر طالبان اور جمعہ خان فاتح کی کمان… pic.twitter.com/fXFLPSwP0x
— Khyber Eye (@KhyberEye) August 14, 2026
The fighting highlights the growing security challenge confronting the Taliban in parts of northern Afghanistan, particularly in the remote and mountainous districts along the Tajikistan border, where Kabul has struggled to establish complete control.
Sources said Fateh’s fighters had taken positions on a mountain overlooking the district administration building and fired at the helicopter from higher ground.
Some local sources said that everyone aboard the aircraft was killed.
Clashes in Nusay
Earlier on Thursday, Taliban helicopters bombed positions held by Fateh’s fighters near the centre of Nusay district as clashes intensified.
Residents also reported Taliban drones flying over the area while fighting continued near the district centre.
ALSO READ: Badakhshan Erupts as Taliban Mayor Killed in Blast Amid Rising Infighting
Badakhshan has witnessed growing armed tensions in recent weeks involving Taliban forces, Fateh’s fighters and other armed opposition groups.
Separately, the National Resistance Front claimed its fighters had killed the Taliban-appointed mayor of Faizabad, Badakhshan’s provincial capital, and his guards in an attack.
