AKIPRESS.COM - An armed conflict occurred on August 24 in the Dawang border area of Afghanistan's Badakhshan province between Taliban forces and Tajikistan. One Taliban fighter was killed and four wounded, Shana news reports.

The clash reportedly stemmed from tensions over Chinese mining companies operating in the region and the destruction of the Amu Darya riverbed.

Relations between the Taliban and Tajikistan have been strained since the 1990s. Tajikistan has supported groups opposing the Taliban, such as the National Resistance Front, and hosted figures like Ahmad Massoud and Amrullah Saleh. The Taliban view this support as interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.

Following the clashes, Taliban and Tajik military representatives met to discuss river water issues and mining activities but accused each other of harboring and preparing opposition forces on their respective territories.