Afghan mass media reported on an armed incident between Tajik border guards and fighters of the Taliban movement. According to their information, one fighter was killed and four others were injured.
The clash occurred on August 24 in the Dowang district of Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, in an area bordering the Shamsiddin Shohin district of Tajikistan's Khatlon province. According to the Shana agency, the cause of the dispute was the activity of mining companies and the disruption of the Panj riverbed.
Reports indicate that the Taliban came to Dowang to extract minerals and encountered resistance from Tajik border guards there. Heavy weapons were used during the exchange of fire.
No official statement has been issued yet by either Tajikistan or the Taliban.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan International Agency has published a video of a meeting between Tajik border guards and Taliban representatives in the Dowang district. It is reported that the activity of mining companies was discussed. According to media reports, the Taliban were represented by Shafiullah Hafizi, the head of the department for mineral extraction in Badakhshan.
