Taliban forces have reportedly closed the Kabul office of Rah Farda Radio and Television and arrested the media outlet’s owner, according to the Afghanistan Journalists Center.
The center, citing an informed source, said Taliban forces entered the media outlet’s office at around 1 p.m. on Monday, September 5, and shut down its operations. The owner of Rah Farda was also reportedly taken into custody during the operation.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center said the Taliban simultaneously targeted another office located in a separate building next to the Rah Farda TV premises. According to the source cited by the center, the office belonged to a local influential figure, and Taliban forces arrested several people who were present there.
The reasons for the closure of Rah Farda and the reported arrest of its owner have not been publicly explained by Taliban authorities. It also remains unclear whether the action against the neighboring office was connected to the media outlet’s closure or related to a separate matter.
The reported operation has raised further concerns about the working environment for journalists and media organizations in Afghanistan. Media outlets have faced increasing restrictions since the Taliban returned to power, with journalists and media workers repeatedly calling for greater protection of press freedom and clearer regulations.
The latest incident could add to concerns over the ability of independent media organizations to operate freely in Kabul. Further information about the owner’s detention, the reason for the closure and the status of those arrested at the nearby office is still awaited.