Taliban detains officials in northeastern Afghanistan over alleged ISIS links

Taliban intelligence forces have detained seven individuals in Badakhshan Province on suspicion of collaborating with Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), according to sources cited by Afghanistan International.

Sources said the detainees previously held various roles within Taliban military and civilian structures in the province. Those arrested reportedly include a communications battalion unit commander, a propaganda official, several officers, and a former head of a local radio and television station.

The individuals were detained two days ago and transferred to Kabul. One of them has since been released on bail by a local Taliban deputy leader, while the others remain in custody.

According to the sources, six of the detainees are from the village of Kaip in the Jarm district and are described as holding Salafi views. They were also said to have undergone training in marksmanship and mountaineering in remote parts of the province.

The arrests reportedly stem from earlier intelligence operations. Sources claim that a previously detained individual accused of ISIS affiliation helped identify the group.

The detainees are also alleged to have been involved in an attack targeting a Taliban intelligence deputy and another member in the provincial capital, Faizabad.

By Sabina Mammadli