RASC News Agency: Local sources from Nimroz province in southwestern Afghanistan report that several Taliban security forces have deserted the group due to unpaid salaries and have sought work in Iran through illegal means. These deserters, from various ethnic groups across Afghanistan, fled the Taliban ranks and headed to Iran or Turkey due to unpaid wages.
A reliable source in Nimroz, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RASC News Agency on Friday, May 17, that the departure of these Taliban fighters stems from unpaid salaries, strict regulations, and mistreatment by senior officials, making it difficult for members to continue their activities within the group. The source added that Taliban leaders aim to maintain their authority over their members but are unaware that this approach is severely undermining their organizational structure.
Another source, who also wished to remain unnamed, told RASC News Agency that while Taliban fighters are committed to defending the group’s interests to the death, the improper conduct and mistreatment by high-ranking officials have drained the motivation and hope from their ranks. According to the source, hundreds of Taliban fighters have now, either voluntarily or involuntarily, left the group and no longer carry out its orders.
The source noted that the desertion of Taliban members has sent shockwaves through the group’s leadership. Based on the source’s information, if the trend of fighters leaving the Taliban continues, the group’s collapse and devastation are inevitable. Imran Qorbani, a civil activist in western Afghanistan, confirms that a significant portion of the Taliban’s forces in Afghanistan are dissatisfied with their involvement in the group.
He stated that the trend of fighters leaving the Taliban indicates widespread discontent within their ranks. Qorbani added that many Taliban fighters prefer laboring in neighboring countries over continuing their activities within the group.
Taliban officials in Nimroz province have so far remained silent on the matter. It is worth noting that most Taliban fighters do not receive substantial benefits or salaries, which explains why members are easily departing from the group’s ranks.
