Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have announced ongoing collaboration with neighboring Tajikistan to probe a recent border clash that resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two Tajik border guards. The incident occurred earlier this week, raising tensions between the two countries, which share a lengthy and often volatile border.
On Thursday, Tajikistan reported that three members of a “terrorist” group had crossed into its territory in Khatlon province, which borders Afghanistan, prompting swift action from Tajik security forces. In the ensuing confrontation, the three suspected militants were killed, but the clash also resulted in the deaths of two soldiers from Tajikistan’s border patrol, as confirmed by the Tajik national security committee.
In a statement on Saturday, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized that the Taliban is taking the situation seriously and has launched a thorough investigation into the incidents that erupted on Tajik soil. He indicated that communication with Tajikistan’s foreign minister has been initiated to bolster cooperation and prevent similar future occurrences. “We are worried that some malicious circles want to destroy the relations between two neighbouring countries,” Muttaqi commented, although he did not provide specific details on these concerns.
The border, spanning approximately 1,350 kilometers (839 miles), has historically been a flashpoint for tensions, particularly since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rakhmon, who has maintained his presidency since 1992, has been notably critical of the Taliban, urging them to uphold the rights of ethnic Tajiks living in Afghanistan.
Tajik authorities have been on high alert in recent months, citing previous incidents along the border. In late November and early December, at least five Chinese nationals lost their lives in separate attacks attributed to dangerous conditions along this frontier.
A UN report issued in December highlighted the presence of jihadist groups like Jamaat Ansarullah in various regions of Afghanistan. The report underscored the group’s objective to destabilize neighboring Tajikistan, raising alarms over security in the Central Asian region. Additionally, Dushanbe is increasingly concerned about the Islamic State in Khorasan (ISK), which has been reported to be active in Afghanistan and poses a continuing threat to stability in Tajikistan.
