Forces affiliated with the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice reportedly evacuated the Khatam al-Nabiyyin Seminary in western Kabul on Monday, September 16, after surrounding the Shia religious institution for two days.
According to sources, Taliban forces had besieged the seminary over the previous two days, while officials and students at the institution resisted the move. The standoff reportedly continued until Monday, when Taliban personnel entered the facility and evacuated the center.
Sources further said that Taliban forces subsequently “seized” the seminary building. Officials from the Khatam al-Nabiyyin Seminary confirmed to Afghanistan International that the institution had been evacuated by Taliban forces.
The Taliban has not publicly commented on the reported operation or provided an explanation for the reasons behind the evacuation and seizure of the building.
The Khatam al-Nabiyyin Seminary is described as the largest Shia religious school in Kabul and has played an important role in religious education for Afghanistan’s Shia community.
The reported action has raised concerns over the future of the institution and the ability of Shia religious and educational centers to operate under Taliban rule. The incident also comes amid broader reports of Taliban authorities taking control of properties and institutions across Afghanistan.
Details regarding whether the seminary will be allowed to resume its educational activities, what will happen to its students and staff, and the legal basis for the takeover remain unclear.
The reported evacuation could further intensify concerns among Afghanistan’s Shia community over restrictions on religious and educational institutions.
The claims regarding the operation and seizure of the building have not been independently verified, while Taliban authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the matter.