FAYZABAD: Residents of Fayzabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, say the Taliban have increased drone patrols over the city following a series of attacks by groups opposing the administration.
According to residents, drones have been flying at low altitudes over residential areas during both daytime and nighttime. They said the constant noise has created anxiety among local families, particularly women and children.
One resident reportedly told Afghanistan International that the drone flights have disrupted the peace of households and frightened children because of the sound of the aircraft.
Local sources had previously told Afghanistan International that the Taliban established a drone operations center near Fayzabad’s airfield. According to those sources, the facility is intended to collect intelligence and monitor the activities of groups opposed to the Taliban in Badakhshan.
The reported increase in drone activity follows several attacks targeting Taliban checkpoints and the office of the Taliban governor in Fayzabad. The attacks have reportedly increased security concerns in the provincial capital.
The Taliban have not officially commented on the reported drone flights over residential areas or confirmed the establishment of a drone operations center near the airfield.
The reports highlight growing security tensions in Badakhshan, where Taliban authorities have faced attacks from groups opposing their rule. Independent verification of the reported drone operations and their frequency remains limited.