Taliban removes influential commander Juma Khan Fateh amid dispute over control of Badakhshan

Juma Khan Fateh, a prominent Taliban commander in northeastern Afghanistan, has been removed from his influential position amid escalating disputes with the movement's leadership over control of lucrative mineral deposits in Badakhshan province. The change, announced on June 22 by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, saw Faizullah Tamim appointed as Fateh's replacement.

Fateh, who also served as deputy governor of Zabul province, reportedly clashed with the Kandahar-based leadership over influence and control of the Darwaz region in Badakhshan. Sources suggest that negotiations to resolve these disagreements failed, raising concerns about potential confrontations between Fateh's supporters and central Taliban forces. The dispute is believed to center on revenues from gold-mining operations in the province, which holds significant mineral wealth.

Analysts view this dismissal as indicative of broader internal rivalries within the Taliban. Fateh, known informally as the "commander of Darwaz," had maintained considerable authority in the region despite his transfer to Zabul. His removal underscores the challenges the Taliban faces in consolidating power and managing internal dissent as it seeks to govern Afghanistan.

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The appointment was announced on June 22 by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who said the change was made by decree of the movement’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada.