Reports emerging from Afghan media indicate that 11 Taliban fighters were allegedly poisoned at a military base in Badghis province during the night, prompting an emergency response and the subsequent transfer of the affected personnel to Herat for medical treatment.
According to Afghan media reports citing sources familiar with the incident, the affected personnel were members of the Taliban regime’s 3rd Infantry Brigade stationed in Badghis province.
The circumstances surrounding the reported poisoning remain unclear, and no independent confirmation of the incident or its cause has yet been established. The available reports do not provide definitive information regarding the substance allegedly involved, how it was administered, or whether the incident resulted from deliberate poisoning, accidental contamination or another cause.
According to the reports, Taliban helicopters arrived in Badghis at approximately 5:00 a.m., following the incident, to facilitate the emergency evacuation of the affected personnel. The reported victims were subsequently transported to Herat province for medical treatment and further care.
The rapid deployment of helicopters and transfer of the affected fighters reportedly indicates that the authorities treated the incident as a matter requiring urgent medical attention. However, details regarding the current condition of the 11 fighters including the severity of their symptoms, whether any remain in critical condition, or whether there have been any fatalities have not been officially disclosed.
Sources cited by Afghan media further claim that Taliban authorities have detained the cook of the brigade in connection with the incident. The reported detention suggests that authorities may be examining the possibility that food or other consumable material could have been involved. Nevertheless, no official findings have been released establishing the cook’s involvement or confirming that the reported poisoning was intentional.
The detention should therefore be viewed as part of an alleged preliminary investigation rather than evidence of responsibility.
