Local sources in Badakhshan say nearly 5,000 workers have been trapped in mines in the province following clashes between the Taliban and forces loyal to Juma Khan Fateh, a disgruntled commander of the group.
Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Sunday, August 16, that more than 2,000 workers have been trapped in the Kolakhm, Washni-Shahr, Arward, Jam-Bala and Argas mines in Nusay District.
According to the sources, another 2,500 workers from Shaki District and several other districts of Badakhshan have also been trapped amid the fighting in the Dah-Khwah, Zangaria, Maymik, Shirin-Nazm and Qatqati mines.
The sources added that the workers have no access to food or other necessities, and that their situation is concerning.
According to the sources, at least seven workers were shot and killed by Taliban special forces while attempting to obtain food supplies.
Several workers told the Hasht-e Subh Daily that they had spent large sums of money extracting gold from these mines. However, following the presence and harassment of non-local Taliban forces, their operations have been halted, causing them heavy financial losses.
The workers said that non-local Taliban forces had threatened them, warning that they would face the risk of being killed if they left their workplaces.
