Badakhshan – The National Resistance Front (NRF) has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack targeting Ismail Ghaznavi, the Taliban-appointed governor of Badakhshan province. According to NRF officials, the attack killed two Taliban fighters and wounded three others.
The Taliban, however, has denied these claims, saying no casualties occurred in the area. No independent confirmation of the incident has yet been reported.
The NRF has been carrying out sporadic attacks in northern Afghanistan, challenging the Taliban’s control in key provinces. Badakhshan, which borders Tajikistan and is strategically important, has seen a series of clashes in recent months.
The alleged attack on Ghaznavi’s convoy is part of this ongoing struggle for influence. The NRF said the operation targeted Taliban personnel, not civilians. The group’s statement emphasized that the action was meant to weaken the Taliban’s hold on the province.
Meanwhile, the Taliban dismissed the NRF’s claims as propaganda. A local Taliban spokesperson said the governor and his team were safe and that the group maintained full control over Badakhshan.
Analysts say these conflicting claims show the difficulty of verifying information in remote areas of Afghanistan. Such incidents highlight the fragile security situation and the continued threat posed by insurgent groups like the NRF.
Local residents report heightened tension following the attack. Many fear that clashes between the Taliban and NRF could escalate, affecting civilians and disrupting daily life.
Observers note that the NRF has been increasingly active in northern provinces. This latest incident demonstrates the group’s capability to strike high-profile targets, even in areas considered under firm Taliban control.
Security experts also warn that such attacks could trigger retaliatory measures from the Taliban, further destabilizing the region. The coming days will be critical to see whether the NRF maintains pressure or if the Taliban strengthens its security presence.
The situation remains fluid, and both sides are expected to continue their claims and counterclaims. Independent verification from international monitors or journalists is still awaited.
