Taliban Face Internal Rift as Badakhshan Tensions Escalate

Dispute Over Badakhshan’s Mineral Wealth Evolves Into Security and Political Crisis

Kabul: An internal struggle over control of mineral resources in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province has reportedly pushed the Taliban administration into a serious political and security crisis. According to reports, disagreements between the Taliban leadership and local Tajik commander Juma Khan Fateh over the distribution and control of valuable mineral resources have escalated significantly. The reports further claim that Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has officially declared the commander a rebel and ordered immediate action against him.

Heavy Military Convoy Deployed to Badakhshan

According to Afghan media reports, the central command of the Islamic Emirate has dispatched a large special forces convoy toward the strategic district of Shighnan in Badakhshan with the objective of capturing Commander Juma Khan Fateh.

The reported deployment includes:

• More than 50 military vehicles.
• Advanced American-made Humvees.
• Military trucks and heavily armed units.

Reports indicate that these forces are expected to take up operational positions in the area.

Meanwhile, Commander Juma Khan Fateh has reportedly refused to back down.

According to incoming reports:

• He has instructed local tribes and loyal supporters to mobilize against Taliban authorities.
• He has directed his fighters to assume administrative and security control of valuable mining sites across Badakhshan.
• Intelligence assessments cited in reports suggest that preparations for a guerrilla campaign against the Kabul administration are underway.

More Than 10,000 Fighters Allegedly Ready, Concerns of Wider Conflict

Commander Juma Khan Fateh has reportedly claimed that he has 10,000 fighters in Badakhshan and an additional 2,500 fighters in the district of Nasi prepared to confront Taliban forces.

Analysts’ Assessment: Defense and regional analysts cited in reports argue that the growing armed resistance reflects internal divisions and challenges facing the Taliban leadership. Experts warn that escalating confrontations between Taliban authorities and dissatisfied commanders could increase instability and potentially lead to a broader internal conflict in Afghanistan.