Taliban Army Chief Opposes Arrest of Badakhshan Commander Fateh.
Sources in Badakhshan say Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s Chief of Army Staff, has opposed the arrest of Juma Khan Fateh, an influential and dissenting Taliban commander in the province.
According to sources, Fasihuddin and senior Taliban commander Amanuddin Mansour have urged local influential figures in private meetings to prevent Fateh’s arrest.
The sources describe the move as a sign of growing divisions among senior Taliban leaders and the emergence of new internal alliances.
Reports say tensions increased after Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada allegedly ordered Fateh’s arrest. Fateh reportedly moved with his armed supporters to mountainous areas and instructed his forces in Nusay District and other areas to prepare for possible confrontation.
The Taliban has reportedly sent forces from several directions to arrest him but has not officially commented on the situation.
Sources claim some influential Taliban figures view supporting Fateh as a way to preserve their influence and prevent further centralization of power in Kandahar.
