The Taliban have arrested several of their own local officials in Badakhshan’s Khash district, following recent protests and violent clashes sparked by the group’s efforts to destroy poppy fields in the area.
Informed sources told Afghanistan International on Friday that the detainees include Gul Ahmad Shahin, the Taliban-appointed police chief of Khash; Qari Nawid, head of criminal investigations; and Qari Wajid, another local commander. The three men were reportedly arrested for refusing to suppress protesters and allegedly siding with local residents.
The Taliban have also launched search operations in the district, leading many civilians to flee to the surrounding mountains, according to local sources.
In addition to detaining their own officials, Taliban forces have arrested several residents and community elders, including Mawlawi Roh-ul-Bayan, an influential local cleric. They are accused of organising and encouraging the anti-Taliban demonstrations.
All detainees have reportedly been transferred to Fayzabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. The Taliban’s local administration has not issued any official comment regarding the arrests.
The unrest began earlier this week when Taliban forces attempted to eradicate poppy crops in Khash. The operation triggered a wave of public anger and led to clashes in which at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded, according to eyewitnesses and hospital sources.
On Thursday, the Taliban reportedly arrested at least 37 individuals in connection with the protests. Local sources say the main market in Khash remains closed and that Taliban fighters are mistreating civilians. Residents are reportedly staying indoors for fear of arrest, while Taliban units continue to monitor and patrol the area intensively.
The incident underscores growing tensions between Taliban forces and communities in northern Afghanistan, where local resistance to the group’s policies particularly regarding poppy eradication has been mounting.
