SUMMARY

The insurgencies in Afghanistan have commonly been organized around an ideological leader, such as Mullah Omar for the Taleban. The actual fighting has been carried out by forces of different local commanders loyal to these ideological leaders. Although part of the same political organization, commanders have often fought each other over control of territory and/or resources, and have also frequently turned against their allies and joined rival organizations.

Formed in Kandahar in 1994, the Taleban movement soon took control of large parts of the southern and south-eastern parts of [Afghanistan]8/#country/700). While united around the leader Mullah Omar, Taleban commanders frequently fought each other as different commanders tried to gain as much power and resources as possible. One such example was the fighting between the forces of Taleban commanders Mola Khel and Ali Dad in 1996.

The non-state conflict between Taleban - Ali Dad faction and Taleban – Mola Khel faction is first included in UCDP data in 1996. In March of that year 30 people were killed when the parties clashed in Maydan Shar province west of Kabul, Afghanistan.