Reports of rising tensions between the Taliban leadership and prominent Tajik commander Juma Khan Fateh in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province have intensified speculation about internal divisions within the movement. Media reports claim Taliban forces were deployed to parts of the province as authorities sought to contain or remove Fateh, although the Taliban have not officially confirmed the operation.
The reported dispute comes amid broader grievances among some Tajik and Uzbek Taliban figures over access to power, control of mining resources and government appointments. Critics have alleged that commanders from northern Afghanistan have increasingly been sidelined in favour of figures linked to the Taliban leadership in the south.
Fateh, one of the most influential Taliban commanders in Badakhshan, built his position through strong local networks and influence over gold-mining areas. The Taliban recently banned unauthorised gold mining in the province, a move some analysts believe was aimed at limiting the financial and political power of local commanders.
The leadership has also reassigned several influential non-Pashtun commanders away from their traditional power bases in recent years. Fateh was appointed deputy governor of Zabul province in early 2026, but reports indicated that he retained significant influence in Badakhshan and never fully took up the post.
Despite reports of friction, Fateh has publicly denied any serious split with the Taliban. He has appeared at public events in Badakhshan, rejected claims of a rupture and criticised what he described as discrimination against residents of the province. Confusion has persisted over his official status after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the appointment of a new deputy governor in Zabul, while state broadcaster RTA later referred to Fateh as still holding the position.
Badakhshan, which borders Tajikistan, Pakistan and China, is one of Afghanistan’s most strategically important provinces. The area has long been sensitive due to its location and economic significance.
If tensions continue to grow, they could further highlight ethnic and political fault lines within the Taliban. However, most observers believe any direct challenge from Fateh would face major obstacles given the Taliban leadership’s dominant military and political position and uncertainty over the scale of his support.
