DUSHANBE: The US Embassy in Tajikistan has warned of heightened security risks along the Afghan-Tajikistan border following recent fighting in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province that spilt across the frontier and killed a woman in Tajikistan.
In a security alert issued on August 19, the embassy said US government employees had been temporarily prohibited from travelling to border areas in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
The warning followed clashes in Afghanistan’s Nusay district on August 13, when stray gunfire from Afghan territory crossed the border and struck the village of Dashtak in Tajikistan’s Darvoz district.
A 21-year-old woman was killed in the incident.
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The embassy warned that continuing violence in Afghanistan could affect security conditions in neighbouring areas of Tajikistan. It advised US citizens to avoid the border region, remain vigilant, monitor local media, carry identification and review their personal security arrangements.
Fighting in Badakhshan
During the confrontation, the Taliban deployed additional forces from Kabul, Balkh, Kunduz and Takhar to Nusay district. Taliban helicopters also bombed positions held by Fateh’s forces on August 13.
The fighting raised concerns about instability spreading beyond Afghanistan’s borders, particularly into neighbouring Tajikistan.
Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry subsequently lodged a formal protest with the Taliban administration, citing a violation of Tajik airspace, damage to residential properties and the death of the woman.
Tajik authorities identified the victim as a 21-year-old pregnant woman.
The incident has added to security concerns along the mountainous frontier, with the US Embassy warning Americans that developments inside Afghanistan could have direct consequences for Tajikistan’s border regions.
