The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bombing in Afghanistan’s northeast that targeted police officers involved in an anti-poppy crop campaign. The incident occurred in Faizabad town in Badakhshan province, where a motorcycle rigged with explosives exploded, killing and wounding several members of a Taliban patrol.
The officers were on their way to destroy poppy crops in the area when the attack took place. The Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan, known as a major rival to the Taliban, has been carrying out attacks on various targets across the country, including schools, hospitals, mosques, and Shiite areas.
In response to the country’s drug cultivation industry, the Taliban imposed a formal ban in April 2022, leading to a significant reduction in opium cultivation. A report from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime indicated a 95% decrease in opium cultivation following the ban.
Protests erupted in Badakhshan last week after incidents related to the poppy eradication campaign turned violent. The Taliban's efforts to enforce the ban resulted in clashes with locals, leading to casualties. High-ranking officials, including the chief of military staff, visited the region to negotiate with protesters and address the escalating tensions.
The recent violence underscores the challenges faced by Afghanistan in combating drug production and the complex dynamics between various militant groups operating in the region. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing security concerns and the need for continued efforts to stabilize the country.
