The Taliban have detained a number of local residents and members of their own local security forces in Badakhshan province following an armed attack on Yaftal-e-Payin district, according to local sources and Taliban officials.
The Taliban’s provincial police command confirmed the arrests and said operations to identify and detain those responsible for the attack are continuing.
Local sources said the detentions were carried out during house-to-house search operations launched after Friday morning’s assault.
The Homeland Soldiers Front claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that its fighters disarmed Taliban personnel, took control of Yaftal-e-Payin district for several hours and withdrew with captured military equipment.
Sources told Afghanistan International that after deploying reinforcements, Taliban forces began extensive search operations across the district, detaining local residents as well as several members of their own local forces. According to those sources, civilians are among those arrested.
The Taliban have not officially explained why some of their own personnel were detained. However, local sources speculate that they may be under investigation for alleged cooperation with the attackers or for failing to prevent the assault.
Afghanistan International also reported receiving images showing individuals in Taliban custody and the Homeland Soldiers Front’s flag flying over the district administration building. The broadcaster said it had verified the authenticity of the images but had not independently verified the identities of those detained or the Taliban’s claims regarding their alleged involvement in the attack.
The Taliban have not released further details about the identities of those arrested or whether any formal charges have been filed.
