Juma Khan
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Juma Khan was a Pashtun militia commander active in the Badghis province of Afghanistan with links to the Taliban regime. In March 2003, his forces were involved in skirmish with a rival faction that ended with human rights violations visited upon his forces and the civilian population. He was captured by Afghan forces on April 5, 2003, after his 400 strong force attacked government posts.
In March 2003, an allegedly ministry of the interior authorized border brigade led by Juma Khan fought another, unauthorized, brigade raised by the governor or Herat, Ismail Khan. Juma Khan's forces were defeated. Twenty-six of his men were found executed with their hands tied behind their back. In the predominantly Pashtun village of Akazi, thirty eight civilians were killed and twelve civilians drowned as they tried to escape across the river Murghab.
Juma Khan said the violence was in retaliation for Pashtuns resisting seizure of land and cattle by the government of Ismail Khan, a Tajik.
References
- "Fierce factional fighting reported in northwestern Afghanistan" Deutsche Presse-Agentur March 26, 2003. Lexis-Nexis September 10, 2003. <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/>
- "Afghan government probes killings in northwest" Agence France Presse May 1, 2003. Lexis Nexis September 10, 2003. <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/>
- "Ex-Taliban governor held in Afghanistan" April 6, 2003. The News September 10, 2003 <http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2003-daily/06-04-2003/main/main10.htm>