Social media users have launched a fundraising campaign in support of 1,500 families displaced from Balkhab district to Yakawlang district of Bamyan province. The families, who are in dire economic conditions, have been displaced due to the recent clashes in Balkhab district.
As the Taliban launched their offensive in Balkhab district of Sar-e-Pol province, hundreds of locals reportedly fled from their homes to the mountains or to neighboring districts and provinces.
Local sources in Bamyan confirmed to Afghanistan International that the displaced from the Balkhab war are now living in the province without shelter, water, or food.
Social media campaign organizers have emphasised that the affected citizens of Balkhab war need food, medicine, and shelter.
Over the past few days, Taliban has sent thousands of troops to Balkhab district in Sar-e-Pol province to suppress Mawlawi Mahdi, the group’s only Hazara commander. After three days of fighting, Taliban officials said that the group took control of the Balkhab district and the offensive was over.
However, a number of human rights groups have expressed concern about the possibility of civilians being killed by the Taliban in Balkhab district. Amnesty International had said that it is deeply concerned about the summary executions and civilian casualties by the Taliban forces in the district.
As the clashes began, there were reports of Taliban killing civilians in Balkhab. However, a Taliban spokesman said that no one had been "oppressed" and that "propaganda about civilian casualties in Balkhab was untrue".
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, said that in Balkhab, "people live in peace and security".
