Taliban Detains Tajik Commander in Baghlan Amid Intergroup Clashes

Bolukian has called on the Taliban to enhance security and create economic opportunities in Afghanistan to facilitate the return of its citizens.

According to the IRIB news agency, Bolukian described Afghanistan as a "devastated and technologically backward country" and suggested that the Taliban could benefit from the skills of Afghan migrants currently in Iran to aid in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.

Since the Taliban's ascension to power in 2021, there has been a significant exodus of Afghans to neighboring countries, including Iran. However, Iran regularly detains and deports thousands of Afghan migrants back to Afghanistan each week.

During a meeting with Afghan migrants in Mashhad, Bolukian highlighted the impact of "illegal" Afghan migrants on Iran's resources, noting that their presence strains educational facilities for legal residents. He pointed out that Iran is unable to provide sufficient employment, university education, insurance, and healthcare services to all Afghans.

Bolukian’s comments come amid ongoing international aid, primarily from the United Nations, to support Iran in managing Afghan migrants. Despite this, Iranian authorities have expressed that this assistance is not enough to address the challenges posed by the influx.

The NRF confirmed that their forces suffered no casualties during the operation. There has been no comment from local Taliban officials regarding the incident.

The NRF, led by Ahmad Massoud and active since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, stated in their announcement that they continue to conduct targeted operations nationwide aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime.

According to the NRF, their ongoing guerrilla attacks have so far resulted in numerous Taliban casualties.

Indian authorities revealed that over 25 kilogrammes of gold, valued at more than $2.2 million, was found in her possession at the Mumbai Airport.

In her resignation letter, shared on the social media platform X, Wardak did not explicitly address the gold smuggling allegations. However, she mentioned facing "personal attacks and defamation" over the past year, which significantly impacted her family.

Previously, The India Times reported that on April 25, Wardak attempted to smuggle 25 kilogrammes of gold from Dubai to India. Despite this, she was not arrested due to her diplomatic immunity.

This follows earlier protest movements in Darayim district, making Argo the second district in Badakhshan where locals have now stood up against the Taliban to demand their expulsion from the province.

The protests in Argo have reportedly escalated into violence. Locals are adamant about removing the Taliban's influence from Argo, but the Taliban officials are yet to respond to these developments.

Images sent by residents of the district to Afghanistan International show many of Argo's market shops shuttered in the wake of these demonstrations. Videos from the district, showcase how people are vocally opposing the Taliban, chanting and expressing their dissent.

According to reports from Badakhshan residents, the situation in Argo has dramatically spiralled beyond the Taliban’s control. Despite the Taliban's attempts to suppress these protests using force, the demonstrations persist, with locals continuing to stand up against the Taliban rule.

According to The Times of India, Indian officials allege that Wardak intended to "smuggle" this gold from Dubai into India. The incident took place on April 25.

Indian authorities have seized the gold and initiated a "smuggling" case against Wardak. However, due to her diplomatic immunity, she has not been arrested. The Indian law mandates detention and criminal prosecution for suspects involved in smuggling gold valued over USD 100,000.

It is unclear where Wardak obtained the gold from.

In response to The Times of India, Wardak expressed surprise at the allegations and awaits further investigation. She mentioned facing personal challenges during her tenure at the embassy and consulate and quoted her absence from Mumbai for medical treatment.

This incident marks the first instance of a senior foreign diplomat being accused of smuggling in Mumbai in recent times, according to Indian officials.

The DRI had received specific information regarding Wardak and deployed personnel at Mumbai airport.

On April 25, Wardak, accompanied by her son, arrived in Mumbai from Dubai. The police stopped them at the airport exit for customs inspection, during which they initially denied carrying any items. Subsequent searches revealed the hidden gold in Wardak's customised jacket, knee caps, and waist belt. Nothing was found with the diplomat's son.

Indian officials valued the confiscated gold at 18.6 crore Indian rupees, equivalent to over USD 2.23 million.

Wardak and Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, another Afghan Consul in India, also oversee the Afghan Embassy in Delhi in cooperation with the Taliban government.

Wardak has not responded to inquiries from Afghanistan International regarding these allegations.