Several people were injured during protests in northeastern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, according to local authorities.
The Badakhshan police command said the incident took place on Saturday in Yeftal-e-Pain district after a man and a woman travelling by motorcycle were stopped at a checkpoint in the Sang Ab area over alleged drug-related concerns.
According to a statement from the authorities, the man fled when security forces attempted to inspect the motorcycle and belongings, later claiming that security personnel had searched the woman accompanying him.
Authorities said the allegation triggered anger among local residents, who attacked a security checkpoint without being aware of the “details of the incident,” resulting in injuries. They did not provide a figure for the number of injured people.
However, local residents stated that residents staged protests following the alleged search of the woman and that security forces opened fire on demonstrators.
Some reports said at least three protesters were killed and seven others wounded, while BBC Persian cited sources reporting four deaths. The figures have not been independently verified.
Videos circulating on social media showed sounds of gunfire and residents carrying injured people from the scene. The incident has increased concerns over tensions between residents and authorities in Badakhshan, a province that has recently witnessed growing insecurity and armed opposition activity.
On July 17, an armed group known as the National Mobilization Front claimed responsibility for an attack in Yeftal-e-Pain district, briefly taking control of parts of the area before Taliban forces regained control.
