Afghanistan: Gold Plunder and the Suppression of Civilians: What Is Happening in Badakhshan?

Jan 2, 2026 | Amin Kawa
Hasht-e-Subh Daily
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Local sources in Badakhshan say the Taliban have intensified the illegal extraction and looting of gold mines across the province. Local and non-local commanders work day and night, digging, extorting residents, and seizing private land. Whenever fighters find signs of gold, they force residents out of their workshops and transfer control to their own affiliates. In the most recent incident, residents clashed with Taliban fighters in the Samti area of Chah Ab District in Takhar Province over land that the group had reportedly moved excavation equipment onto.