Drone Patrols in Faizabad Raise Concern Among Badakhshan Residents
Local sources and some residents of Faizabad say that repeated drone patrols in recent days have created fresh concern among families. According to them, the sound of these drones can be heard especially in the late hours of the night, causing fear among the city’s residents.
According to local reports, these flights are being carried out in connection with monitoring areas, collecting information and tightening security measures across Badakhshan province. However, Taliban administration officials have so far given no formal explanation about the details of these movements or their impact on residents’ daily lives.
At the same time, some local reports say a new drone support and reconnaissance centre has become active at a military base near Faizabad airport. According to these reports, the centre has been set up to expand surveillance capabilities and the intelligence coverage of regional movements in Badakhshan.
The increase in these aerial surveillance operations is being reported at a time when Badakhshan has seen scattered security incidents in recent months. During this period, reports were also published of rocket attacks and clashes near some administrative points and security checkpoints in Faizabad.
Local sources claim that over the past year, the Taliban administration has increased the use of reconnaissance and light drones in the northern and border provinces. According to these sources, the move has been pursued with the aim of monitoring border exchanges, curbing smuggling and keeping watch on opposition groups.
Badakhshan, in northeastern Afghanistan, has a border and mountainous location and, because of its geographical difficulties, has long been regarded as one of the most security-sensitive provinces. Faizabad is the provincial capital, and security movements there usually have a wider regional resonance.
