Local sources from Ghor Province told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have detained 18 employees of an aid organisation in the Lal Wa Sarjangal district of the province.

According to sources, seven women, including a US citizen, are among those detained.

The International Assistance Mission in a statement said that it was saddened to hear about the detentions of its staff members. IAM added that all the 18 detained had now been transferred to Kabul.

Sources said that the US citizen along with two individuals were arrested on September 5, and 15 other individuals, including six women, were arrested on Wednesday.

“We are unaware of the circumstances that led to these incidents and have not been advised of the reason for the detention of our staff members. The well-being and security of our colleagues are paramount to us, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and secure their swift release,” IAM said in its release.

It is unclear on what grounds these individuals were detained, and the Taliban has refrained from making any statements regarding the matter.

This organisation announced that it operates in eye care, community development, health and educational projects.