Informed sources in Takhar province told Afghanistan International that fighters loyal to Darab Baai, a local Taliban commander in Warsaj district, injured at least six people in a violent dispute over grazing land.
According to the sources, the clash erupted on Sunday, 2 November, between Darab’s men and several residents of Qunduz village in the same district. They said the commander’s son, Jamahir, initiated the fight by shooting a local resident, while others were beaten.
One source said Jamahir and his brother-in-law, Qiyam, assaulted villagers during the altercation, leaving six injured including three of them in critical condition. Images obtained by Afghanistan International show the victims with bloodstained bodies.
A resident of Qunduz village said Qiyam, the commander’s brother-in-law, has been arrested, but Jamahir and other fighters remain in the area, threatening locals not to file complaints.
Sources added that Darab Baai is also involved in gold mining operations in Badakhshan province and returned to the Qunduz area of Warsaj shortly after the incident.
The Taliban authorities in Takhar have not yet commented on the reports.
