A brief border clash broke out between Taliban forces and Tajik border guards in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province on Saturday afternoon, following the reported diversion of the Amu River, local sources told The Kabul Tribune.
The fighting began around 3 p.m. in the Dawong area of
Shahre Buzurg district, near a gold mining project operated by Chinese
companies, and continued for about an hour, according to the sources.
The clashes erupted after the river’s course was reportedly
redirected toward Tajikistan’s side of the border, prompting an armed response
from Tajik forces. Taliban fighters stationed at a nearby security post
returned fire, the sources said.
No casualties were immediately reported.
Following the skirmish, officials from both sides held a
meeting to ease tensions. Tajik authorities reportedly insisted that the Amu
River should not be diverted from its natural course.
The Taliban have not issued an official statement, and
Chinese companies involved in the mining project have yet to comment.
