KABUL: Taliban authorities have closed a cultural and social activities center and a media office in western Kabul, according to sources familiar with the developments.
Sources said the Taliban shut down the Toba cultural and social activities center as well as the office of the Ava news agency in western Kabul on Monday.
The sources further claimed that Taliban forces detained several officials and employees associated with the cultural and media institution during the operation.
The reasons for the closures and detentions were not immediately clear. Taliban authorities have not publicly provided details regarding the action or confirmed the reported arrests.
The Toba center has been involved in cultural and social activities, while the Ava news agency operates as a media organization in Afghanistan. The reported closure of both institutions comes amid continued scrutiny of cultural and media activities under Taliban rule.
Afghan journalists and civil society groups have previously raised concerns over restrictions on media operations and cultural activities, particularly in Kabul and other major cities.
The latest developments could further affect the ability of cultural organizations and media outlets to operate in Afghanistan. However, details regarding the number of people detained, their current whereabouts and the reasons for the reported action remain unclear.
The claims could not be independently verified, and further information is awaited from Taliban authorities or the institutions involved.