KABUL: The Taliban has agreed to return hundreds of weapons and military assets seized from one of its most influential Tajik commanders, Ghulam Hussain, in a move that comes amid rising tensions over control of gold mining operations in Afghanistan’s northern Takhar province.
According to local sources, the Taliban has also relaxed restrictions imposed on Hussain, allowing him to return to his native Chah Ab district after months of limited movement.
Hussain was detained by Taliban intelligence in late 2024 during an operation in Chah Ab, where authorities confiscated more than 400 light and heavy weapons, several vehicles and a substantial stockpile of ammunition under his control.
He remained in custody for a period before being released, although he was subsequently prohibited from returning to his home district.
Sources said the restrictions began to ease over the past week, enabling the commander to travel back to Chah Ab. During the intervening months, Hussain reportedly spent most of his time in Kabul and occasionally visited Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province. His movements outside those locations were said to require prior approval from Taliban intelligence officials.
Disputes over Nooraba gold mine fuel tensions between Taliban and local residents
The reported policy shift comes against the backdrop of mounting unrest in Chah Ab, where disputes over the Nooraba gold mine have fuelled tensions between Taliban authorities and local residents.
The district has witnessed sporadic clashes in recent weeks, while reports have also pointed to public protests and a deadly crackdown by Taliban forces.
The Taliban has not issued an official statement confirming the reported decision or explaining the reasons behind the apparent change in its approach towards Hussain.
Before the Taliban’s return to power, Hussain served under Bashir Qanet, a prominent Hezb-e-Islami commander in Takhar. Qanet had been detained by the former Afghan government on allegations including murder, harassment and extortion before escaping from prison and later joining the Taliban.
Hussain has long been regarded as one of the Taliban’s most influential Tajik commanders in northern Afghanistan. Local reports suggest he derived significant influence from the Nooraba gold mine and commanded hundreds of armed fighters in the region.
