Afghanistan, July 13 -- Tajikistan says 17 Afghan nationals accused of attempting to smuggle narcotics were killed in seven border clashes during the first half of 2026, as authorities reported rising drug trafficking activity and increased narcotics seizures along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.
Tajikistan's Drug Control Agency said 17 Afghan nationals accused of drug trafficking were killed in seven armed confrontations with border forces during the first six months of 2026, highlighting continuing security challenges along one of Central Asia's main narcotics trafficking routes.
According to Tajikistan's state-run Avesta news agency, citing the Drug Control Agency on Monday, July 13, authorities also arrested 18 Afghan nationals on ...