Taliban forces have arrested at least 37 people in Khash district of Badakhshan province in connection with recent protests that turned deadly, local sources told Afghanistan International.
The arrests follow clashes that began on 30 June, after Taliban units attempted to destroy local poppy fields. The operation was met with resistance from residents, sparking violent confrontations.
Sources at a local hospital in Badakhshan said six people, including a woman, were killed by Taliban gunfire on Monday, while another person died on Tuesday. At least 27 others were wounded during the unrest.
Local residents reported that most of those arrested were village elders and community representatives who had participated in the demonstrations. The detainees have reportedly been transferred by helicopter to Faizabad, the provincial capital.
According to sources, the market in Khash remains closed, and civilians are being subjected to harassment by Taliban forces. However, the Taliban have not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrests or the broader incident.
The Khash clashes mark one of the most serious episodes of unrest in Badakhshan since the Taliban’s return to power, highlighting ongoing tensions over poppy eradication efforts and local grievances against Taliban rule.
