The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has claimed responsibility for an explosion in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, alleging it killed four Taliban members, including a commander. The front announced on Wednesday that the attack was a "targeted operation" against a Hilux vehicle.
In its statement, the AFF said the slain Taliban commander had been under surveillance by its forces for some time, although he was not named. The front also accused the Taliban of panicking after the attack, arresting and harassing civilians, and creating an atmosphere of fear.
These claims contrast with the account provided by Taliban officials. The spokesperson's office for the Taliban's police command in Badakhshan confirmed an explosion caused by an IED placed in a flowerpot but stated that it targeted a Corolla car and resulted in two civilians sustaining minor injuries.
There are also conflicting reports regarding arrests. While the Taliban police reported identifying and detaining four suspects, local sources in Badakhshan claim that Taliban forces have arrested more than 40 local residents in connection with the incident.
According to local sources, the explosion occurred in an area where day laborers gather in the mornings. These sources added that after the blast, Taliban forces fired into the air to disperse the crowd.
Faizabad has witnessed several explosions in recent days, indicating a rise in insecurity and the activity of armed groups opposed to the Taliban in the province.
Source: Zarin TV
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