In yet another incident highlighting lawlessness and abuse of power under Taliban rule, armed men loyal to a local Taliban commander, Darab Baai, violently attacked civilians in Afghanistan’s Takhar province, injuring at least six people in a brutal assault over a grazing land dispute.
According to informed sources in Warsaj district, the clash occurred on Sunday, November 2, between Taliban fighters under Darab Baai’s command and residents of Qunduz village. Witnesses said the commander’s son, Jamahir, initiated the violence by opening fire on a local resident, while others were severely beaten.
Sources confirmed that Jamahir and his brother-in-law, Qiyam, physically assaulted villagers, leaving six injured three of them in critical condition. Images obtained by several media show the victims with blood-soaked clothes and visible injuries, reflecting the brutality of the attack.
Local residents reported that while Qiyam was later arrested, Jamahir and other Taliban fighters remain in the area, openly threatening villagers not to file complaints or speak to the media. The residents expressed fear and anger over the impunity enjoyed by Taliban commanders and their families.
Sources further revealed that Darab Baai, the Taliban commander responsible for the assault, is also involved in illegal gold mining operations in Badakhshan province. He reportedly returned to the Qunduz area of Warsaj shortly after the incident, indicating his continued influence and protection under the Taliban system.
The Taliban authorities in Takhar have not issued any statement on the matter, raising further concerns about growing lawlessness, factionalism, and the unchecked power of local Taliban commanders who continue to exploit civilians and resources with impunity across Afghanistan.
