Taliban’s Use of Uzbek and Chechen Fighters to Target Political Rivals in Northern Afghanistan

Security investigations reveal that the deployment of extremist elements from Uzbekistan and Chechnya in northern Afghanistan is being carried out under the direct orders of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. These individuals are reportedly engaged in the physical elimination of opponents and even rival faction members (Haqqani), disguised as operational forces of Balkh intelligence.

Deployment of Uzbek and Chechen Fighters under Taliban Command

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, a significant number of extremist fighters of Uzbek and Chechen descent, who have previously collaborated actively in the group’s wars, have been stationed in northern provinces upon the direct order of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. Reports indicate that operatives among these militants are being integrated into the Taliban intelligence system and are being systematically utilized in operations targeting internal opponents. Their current mandate includes executing domestic rivals of the Taliban’s leader, particularly some officials linked to the Haqqani faction and members of the National Resistance Front.

Connections to Balkh Intelligence Chief in Assassination Operations

This policy has intensified in Balkh province with the appointment of Mawlawi Rahmatullah Noorani, an individual closely connected to the Kandahar circle, as the head of intelligence. Noorani, promoted through the influence of Mawlawi Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, the governor of Balkh and special representative of Hibatullah in the northern provinces, is utilizing his connections with Uzbek and Chechen elements based in Sar-e Pol to covertly eliminate targets.

Noorani and his team perceive the Haqqani faction as an immediate threat aligned with the National Resistance Front and are pursuing targeted assassinations to cleanse Afghanistan of dissenters.

Assassination of Family Linked to the National Resistance in Mazar-e Sharif

Recently, this covert assassination network murdered a family of three associated with the National Resistance in Mazar-e Sharif. During the shocking crime, a couple along with their eight-year-old son were killed in their home by unidentified assailants in the dead of night.

Balkh intelligence officials have attempted to mislead public perception of this murder, presenting it as a domestic dispute or robbery to obscure its security implications, despite there being no leads on the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Governor of Balkh’s Efforts to Conceal and Impede Investigations

The killings coordinated with Balkh Governor Mawlawi Mohammad Yousuf Wafa are being carried out covertly. Governor Wafa has promised community leaders to pursue and identify the culprits.

However, local police and intelligence sources assert that these killers will never be identified, captured, or apprehended. The reason is clear: the mastermind behind these operations is Mawlawi Mohammad Yousuf Wafa himself, with execution managed by Noorani’s intelligence department. These actions are viewed as part of an official agenda to purge the system of opposition and consolidate the power of the ruling faction.