Battle of Darzab (2018)

The Battle of Darzab (2018) was a military engagement between the Taliban and the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-K) in the Darzab District of Jowzjan Province, Afghanistan. The battle primarily occurred in late July and early August 2018.

Background

Prior to the battle, Darzab District had been a contested area between the Taliban and IS-K, with both groups vying for control and influence in the region. IS-K established a foothold in parts of northern Afghanistan, including Jowzjan Province, and sought to expand its territory and recruitment base. The Taliban, already a significant insurgent force in the country, viewed IS-K as a rival and a threat to its own dominance. Clashes between the two groups had occurred sporadically before, but the Battle of Darzab represented a major escalation.

The Battle

The fighting in Darzab involved intense clashes between the two militant groups, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. IS-K fighters, initially positioned in the district, were progressively pushed back by the Taliban. The Taliban ultimately overwhelmed IS-K positions in Darzab, effectively driving IS-K from the district.

Aftermath

The Battle of Darzab resulted in the capture or surrender of a large number of IS-K fighters to the Afghan government. Reports indicate that hundreds of IS-K militants surrendered following the Taliban victory. The Afghan government forces then transported the surrendering fighters and their families to government-controlled areas. The battle significantly weakened IS-K's presence in Jowzjan Province and the wider northern Afghanistan region, at least temporarily. The Taliban’s victory consolidated their control in the district. However, the long-term impact of the battle on the broader security situation in Afghanistan remains complex, as both the Taliban and IS-K continue to operate in various parts of the country.