Taliban Defense Minister Travels to Badakhshan After Negotiations with Dissident Commander Fail

Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Yaqub Mujahid has traveled to Jurm district in Badakhshan province accompanied by a convoy of more than 40 military vehicles. The stated purpose of the trip is to assess security conditions along the Wakhan, Ishkashim, and Shughnan borders.

The movement follows the breakdown of talks between a Taliban special commission and local commander Juma Khan Fateh. Earlier, Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat traveled by helicopter to Nasi district and offered Fateh either the position of security commander or intelligence chief for the Taliban in Badakhshan.

Fateh rejected both proposals. He warned that he would defend himself against any military action directed at him. The special commission had given Fateh a 15-day deadline to reach a final decision.

Reports indicate that Mujahid is also reviewing military resources in the area amid the unresolved dispute. The presence of the large convoy has raised questions about possible preparations for further action in the northern province.