RASC News Agency: Several local residents in Badghis province report that individuals, coordinated by the Taliban, are engaged in deforestation. A resident of Badghis, who wished to remain anonymous, told RASC News Agency on Wednesday, May 15th, that those cutting down the province’s forests are closely associated with the Taliban and are acting under the orders of specific officials within the group.
He stated that some unidentified individuals recently attempted to cut down trees but were apprehended by Taliban security forces. These arrests, he claimed, were merely for show, with the detainees held for a few days before being released. Another Badghis resident confirmed that those involved in the deforestation are locals. He added that the majority of the forests in Badghis are located in the districts of Ab Kamari, Qads, and Jawand, and those cutting down the trees allocate a percentage of the proceeds to specific Taliban members.
While he did not disclose the exact amounts paid to the Taliban from the sale of these trees, he indicated that the money significantly benefits the group. Additionally, sources in Badghis have stated that no one other than the Taliban is allowed access to the forested areas. Another source, also wishing to remain anonymous, told RASC News Agency that the Taliban orchestrate and manage all operations to ensure everything serves their interests. He added that public concerns in Badghis are substantial and need to be addressed individually.
Furthermore, Firoz Karimi, a civil activist in Badghis, told RASC News Agency that, in addition to controlling the pistachio areas, the Taliban are now also involved in deforestation. He said the Taliban aim to control all affairs in the region. He noted that during the Republic, many individuals stood against oppression and tyranny, but during the Taliban’s rule, they have remained silent.
Karimi emphasized that now is not the time for silence and that people must not tolerate oppression. Meanwhile, Taliban officials have not commented on this matter.
