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Significance
The military action prompted expressions of concern from the UN and Amnesty International this week about reports of extrajudicial killings and other abuses in the north-west Balkhab district over recent days. Mujahid, the Taliban's only ethnic Hazara (and hence Shia Muslim) commander, broke away from the movement earlier in June and returned to Balkhab to mobilise supporters.
Impacts
Taliban efforts to co-opt Shia politicians are likely to be derailed if violence persists.
Regional powers will be concerned if the Taliban turn to internecine warfare.
Iran will be particularly unhappy if the Taliban make an enemy of their top Shia commander.
As fractures emerge in the Taliban, opposition forces may feel emboldened to take up arms.
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