Severe clashes between residents and the Taliban over gold mining in Afghanistan

In the Chokhob area of Afghanistan’s Takhar province, clashes erupted between residents and Taliban forces amid local protests against gold mining by companies affiliated with the Taliban movement.

According to several local sources and independent media, at least three local residents and one Taliban member were killed as a result of the clashes.

It is reported that the number of injured has reached at least 16 people, and this number may increase as the situation escalates. The conflict began on Friday, January 2, and continues to this day.

Local residents claim that the protests are caused by “uncontrolled” gold mining, which they say has caused serious damage to the environment, agricultural land, and water resources. They state that due to the excavations and activities of the companies, the supply of drinking water has decreased or completely ceased, threatening the lives of the population.

Videos published from the scene show thick plumes of smoke. According to sources, protesters set fire to the equipment of gold mining companies. It is also reported that after the clashes intensified, representatives of the Taliban-affiliated companies left the area.

Local sources note that the residents of Chokhob are opposing the activities of three companies. They claim that these companies are linked to individuals from the circle of Bishra Nurzai — a well-known drug trafficker who is said to be one of the sponsors of the Taliban.

No official comments have been made by the Taliban government regarding the incident so far.

Experts believe that the continuation of uncontrolled natural resource extraction could increase social discontent and lead to further destabilization in the region.

It is also noted that on August 24, 2025, Tajikistan’s media reported on gold washing and collection activities along the banks of the Panj River. At that time, according to these reports, a shootout occurred at the Dovangi border area in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan, on the border with the Shamsiddin Shohin district in Tajikistan, between Tajik border guards and Taliban forces. As reported, one Taliban member was killed, and four others were injured.

Earlier on August 24, 2025, an armed conflict occurred between Tajik border guards and Taliban militants near the village of Dovang in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, which borders the Shamsiddin Shohin district of Tajikistan, resulting in the death of one Taliban militant and injuries to four others.

The authorities of Tajikistan have previously stated that such activities could lead to changes in the river’s course and potentially increase the risk of major floods with serious consequences for the population of border areas.