Reports have emerged suggesting that Qari Salahuddin Ayubi, a prominent Uzbek commander associated with the Taliban and originally from Faryab, may be considering an uprising against the Taliban leadership.
Ayubi has previously been identified as an influential Uzbek Taliban commander. In October 2022, reports said he had cut ties with the Taliban over unspecified disagreements and returned to his hometown in Faryab.
The latest allegation suggests that Ayubi could be preparing for a renewed confrontation with the Taliban and may have allegedly received a “green light” from Turkey. This claim has not been independently verified, and there is currently no reliable public evidence confirming that Turkish authorities have authorized or supported an uprising.
The possibility of internal dissent among non-Pashtun Taliban commanders has precedent. In January 2022, tensions involving Uzbek Taliban units in Faryab escalated into clashes after the arrest of prominent Uzbek commander Makhdoom Alem. The episode demonstrated the potential for ethnic and factional disputes within the Taliban’s ranks to develop into armed confrontations.
Ayubi’s reported history and influence in northern Afghanistan make any potential break with the Taliban politically significant. However, available sources currently establish his past disagreements with the group rather than confirming a new uprising or Turkish backing.
Further evidence would be required to determine whether the reported plans represent an actual emerging armed movement or remain speculation surrounding Taliban internal divisions.