An armed clash took place near the house of Jawzjan's Provincial Governor Mohammed Alim Sayee, in northern Jawzjan early Monday. According to reports, the attackers were sent by Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, founder of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan Party.
The clash took place in Sheberghan city, capital of the province, when a group of armed men belonging to Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum attacked the Governor's house. Three of the Dostum's men were injured in the clash.
Speaking over phone, Mohammed Alim Sayee told TOLOnews, "Today (Monday) in the afternoon while I was heading back home, Gen. Dostum's armed men attacked my house and the gun-battle between security forces and Dostum's men continued for 15 minutes."
Sayee said that Dostum had warned him over phone that if he doesn't accept his demands, he will take action against him.
However, the Governor did not provide more details about Dostum's demands.
Meanwhile, several members of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan Party confirmed the clash.
"Armed men belonging to General Dostum wanted to attack Jowezjan Provincial Governor but his bodyguards prevented and a gun-battle ensued. In the clash attackers were injured and we want an investigation in this regard," Senator and Deputy of National Islamic Movement Party Ismeal Monshi said.
On the contrary, other members of National Islamic Movement Party denied any military confrontation and said that General Dostum wanted to talk to Jowezjan Provincial Governor about the upcoming elections but the Governor refused.
"I can frankly say that no fighting had taken place. Bodyguards of Jowezjan Provincial Governor started firing in the air and Shebergahn residents panicked," Cultural Advisor for Gen. Dostum and MP Dr. Enayatullah Babur Farahmand said.
Both sides have urged the central government to investigate the clash. Motive behind the attack is not known at the moment.