Badakhshan Slipping From Taliban Control as 21 Fighters Killed in Clashes

Reports from Afghan media say fighting between the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) and the Taliban has intensified in Badakhshan province.

According to the reports, AFF fighters launched large-scale attacks in the Zibak district, killing 21 Taliban personnel and several commanders. At least 37 others were reportedly injured, while some Taliban forces were forced to retreat to Faizabad and other districts by helicopter.

The AFF also reportedly targeted a Taliban helicopter with a rocket. At least three local Taliban commanders were said to have been killed, including senior border commander Faridullah Wahdat.

The reports further claim that AFF fighters captured several Taliban checkpoints and military positions on high ground and seized weapons, ammunition and military equipment.

The AFF also reportedly fired several rockets at a Taliban headquarters in Daraim district overnight.

AFF leader Daoud Naji said the fight against the Taliban had entered a new phase and that the group would continue its “decisive struggle for freedom.”

The fighting in Zibak reportedly began from several directions on July 23 and is still continuing. Taliban spokesman Noorullah Nazari also confirmed clashes in the area.