Hazara Villagers Face Renewed Attacks by Armed Nomads in Central Afghanistan

Hazara communities in central Afghanistan are facing renewed violence from armed nomadic groups, Hasht-e-Subh Daily revealed yesterday citing reports from Ghazni and Maidan Wardak provinces.

Residents allege that the nomads have been destroying crops, beating locals, and claiming ownership of private land, the source mentioned.

These attacks follow a similar pattern documented in recent years. In May, armed nomads targeted the village of Aghjam Payeen in Maidan Wardak, assaulting residents and demanding rent for land use over the past two decades. Similar incidents have occurred in Nawur and Malistan districts of Ghazni province, with nomads destroying crops and harassing villagers.

Locals report a lack of support from Taliban authorities, who allegedly side with the nomads and refuse to intervene. This has led to frustration and a sense of growing insecurity among Hazara communities.

Reports from Malistan district detail residents being shot at by nomads who were attempting to force their way through wheat fields.

This renewed conflict exacerbates a long-standing tension between nomadic groups and Hazara villagers in central Afghanistan. The issue typically intensifies during the spring and summer months as nomads migrate with their livestock.

Since the Taliban takeover, the situation has worsened for Hazara communities. With reported support from the Taliban, nomads have become more assertive in their land claims, forcing some residents to relocate or pay exorbitant fines.

While the Taliban established a commission in 2023 to address the conflict, residents claim it has been ineffective and biased towards the nomads. This lack of a fair and transparent resolution mechanism fuels ongoing tensions and discourages locals from seeking official intervention.