Taliban forces reportedly detained several members of the Hazara and Shia Elders’ Public Relations Office in Kabul after surrounding the organization’s office in the western part of the Afghan capital.
Sources told Afghanistan International that the incident took place on Sunday, when Taliban personnel reportedly surrounded the organization’s office before detaining several members.
The reasons for the reported detentions have not yet been made clear. There was also no immediate information regarding the identities of those detained, where they were taken or whether formal charges had been brought against them.
The Hazara community, one of Afghanistan’s major ethnic and religious minorities, has faced longstanding security and human rights concerns. Shia communities have also experienced attacks and restrictions under successive periods of conflict in Afghanistan.
The reported incident is likely to raise further concerns among rights advocates and community representatives over the treatment of Hazara and Shia groups under Taliban rule.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has repeatedly faced criticism from international human rights organizations over restrictions on civil society organizations and political and community activities. Authorities have generally maintained that security measures are necessary to maintain order and prevent threats.
However, the latest reported detention has not been independently verified, and Taliban authorities have yet to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Further information about the detainees and the reason for the Taliban action may emerge as local sources and rights organizations monitor the situation.