As fighting intensifies between Taliban forces and fighters loyal to Juma Khan Fateh in Badakhshan, local sources say scattered gunfire has been heard in the centre of Nusay district since Thursday morning.

>At the same time, residents of Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province, reported seeing a large convoy of Taliban intelligence forces heading towards Badakhshan.
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>Reports indicate that additional Taliban reinforcements have also been sent to Badakhshan from Kunduz, Balkh and Kabul.
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>The continuing fighting has made life increasingly difficult for local residents. Reports say roads linking villages in Nusay with the district centre have been completely blocked because of the intensity of the clashes, preventing residents from travelling.
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>The fighting began on Tuesday evening, 11 August, after Taliban forces attacked positions held by Juma Khan Fateh, a dissident commander of the group, in Nusay district.