Tragedy struck in northeastern Afghanistan as a sticky bomb explosion claimed the lives of at least three police officers on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, where a bomb attached to a motorcycle detonated as a convoy of security forces passed through the area. In addition to the fatalities, five other officers sustained injuries in the blast.
The officers were reportedly en route to eradicate poppy crops in the region, a task that has been met with resistance. Just days prior to the attack, violent protests erupted against the Taliban's poppy eradication campaign in Badakhshan. The unrest prompted a high-ranking delegation, led by the chief of military staff Fasihudin Fitrat, to visit the area and engage with protestors.
In a video message released on Tuesday, Fitrat assured that he had addressed the grievances of the people and asserted that the situation was now under control. He also mentioned that local residents supported the efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation across Badakhshan.
The protests were triggered by fatal incidents related to the poppy eradication campaign. One man lost his life after resisting the Taliban's attempts to eradicate poppy fields in Darayum district, while another individual was killed during a demonstration in Argo district.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb attack in Faizabad. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining security and stability in the region amidst ongoing tensions surrounding poppy cultivation and eradication efforts.
