Islamabad, Afghanistan – In a new security development, Afghan media close to the Taliban movement reported that its forces carried out a security operation targeting what it described
as “ISIS sleeper cells” in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan.
This comes against the backdrop of previous attacks targeting Chinese citizens in border areas with Tajikistan.
Although the Taliban have not yet issued an official statement detailing the operation or its results,
However, the “Al-Marsad” website, known for its close ties to the movement’s intelligence services,
published preliminary information about the course of the operation.
According to the website, “Security forces in Badakhshan province
carried out a focused operation targeting hideouts.”
For suspicious individuals suspected of involvement in carrying
out attacks originating from the border areas of Badakhshan,
It targeted Chinese citizens inside Tajik territory,” he said,
noting that the operation was carried out on the night of Tuesday, December 16, in the city of Faizabad.
Results of preliminary investigations
Furthermore, Al-Marsad explained that the operation resulted
in the arrest of one person wanted for security reasons.
He was captured alive and in possession of weapons and military equipment.
Initial investigations indicate that the attack targeted Chinese citizens.
It was planned from outside Afghan territory on the border with Tajikistan.
Cross-border escalation
These moves come in the wake of an announcement by the Tajik Foreign Ministry on November 26,
Regarding the killing of three Chinese citizens in Hetlan province,
She confirmed that they were killed as a result of a drone attack launched from within Afghan territory.
For its part, the Tajik authorities indicated that the attack caused
an unprecedented security escalation in the border regions.
This was especially significant given that it was followed by
other sporadic attacks that resulted in the death and injury of a number of Chinese citizens.
This has increased security tensions in the region.
Regional concerns and calls for stricter measures
As a result of these developments, recent events have raised
widespread concern among neighboring countries.
This prompted several regional governments to invite the Taliban movement
To take stricter measures to prevent the activity of armed groups,
And to ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border attacks
Or a threat to the security of neighboring countries and their foreign nationals.
