Clashes erupted between residents and gold miners affiliated with the Taliban in Takhar province, Afghanistan.
During the clashes, three residents were killed by Taliban gunfire.
According to sources, one Taliban fighter was also killed after being struck with a shovel by residents. The sources added that gold mining companies linked to two Kandahar residents, identified as Haji Moheb and Haji Ruhullah Ruhani, who are affiliated with the Taliban, are extracting gold in collusion with Chinese partners.
Protesters in northern Afghanistan set fire to gold mining equipment linked to the Taliban after clashes, according to reports.
The protests were sparked by concerns over severe environmental damage and water shortages, which residents attribute to unchecked excavation activities by mining companies.
On Friday, the residents of this province confronted Taliban members who had entered residential areas to begin gold mining operations.
The Taliban have placed growing emphasis on mining as a source of revenue since returning to power. Still, critics say the sector lacks transparency and has fuelled local tensions in several provinces, including Takhar.
