Three Chinese nationals were killed in an armed attack from Afghanistan into Tajikistan on the night of November 26, 2025. The victims were employees of the mining company Shohin SM operating in the border district of Shamsiddin-Shohin in Khatlon province, Tajikistan.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the attack targeted the company’s base, located in the area of responsibility of the Istiqlol Border Post of the Yol Border Detachment. The assailants reportedly used firearms and drones equipped with grenades.
"Despite Tajikistan’s continuous efforts to ensure security and foster an atmosphere of mutually beneficial cooperation in the border areas of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, the actions of criminal groups operating from the neighboring country continue to destabilize the situation along the border," the statement from Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry reads.
The Ministry expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, condemning the actions of the criminal groups involved, and called on the Afghan authorities (the Taliban government) to take effective measures to ensure stability and security on the state border between the two countries.
Additionally, Afghan media previously reported a clash between Tajik border guards and Taliban militants on the border, which resulted in one Taliban fighter being killed and four others injured. Following the incident, border officials from both countries conducted negotiations.
According to Shana agency, the clash occurred on August 24 in the Dovang district of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, which borders the Shamsiddin-Shohin district in Tajikistan's Khatlon province. The conflict reportedly stemmed from the advancement of Chinese mining projects and the disruption of the Panj River's course. Heavy weaponry was reportedly used during the fighting, resulting in one Taliban fighter’s death and injuries to four others.
