Taliban forces have launched a security clampdown in Khash District, Badakhshan province, after two days of deadly unrest sparked by local opposition to poppy field destruction.
Telecommunications in the district have been cut, and reinforcements were airlifted in as the situation deteriorated, local sources told Afghanistan International on Tuesday.
The violence began Monday when Taliban fighters attempted to destroy poppy crops in the area. Locals resisted, leading to violent clashes that left at least four people dead and ten others injured.
Tensions exploded again on Tuesday during funeral processions for the victims. Witnesses said Taliban forces opened fire on mourners and protesters, killing at least one person and wounding ten more. Health officials later confirmed five deaths from the second day of clashes, with three of the injured in critical condition.
Some reports suggest the actual death toll may be higher, with local sources claiming up to eight killed.
In response to the growing unrest, angry residents blocked key roads into the district. The Taliban reacted by deploying additional fighters via helicopter and cutting off all means of communication in Khash.
As of Tuesday evening, Taliban authorities had issued no official statement regarding the clashes or the civilian casualties.
