Dozens of protesters were reportedly detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan’s northern Faryab province following a demonstration against the group's police command in Dawlat Abad district, sources told Afghanistan International.
At least four independent sources confirmed that protesters chanted “Long live Dostum”, a reference to Abdul Rashid Dostum, the former vice president and leader of the Junbish-e Milli party, as they rallied on Monday and entered the district’s police command compound.
The protest was sparked by the arrest of several young men involved in a confrontation over the alleged harassment of girls during Eid celebrations in Dawlat Abad. Demonstrators gathered outside the Taliban police command to demand the release of the detainees. In response, Taliban forces reportedly detained more protesters, escalating tensions.
Multiple sources said some protesters forced their way into the police command building, prompting a swift and forceful reaction from Taliban personnel. The district centre has since been placed under lockdown, with Taliban fighters, many in civilian clothing, reportedly conducting house-to-house searches in search of demonstrators.
One source told Afghanistan International that dozens more have been arrested in these ongoing operations, and that residents are now afraid to leave their homes due to fear of arrest.
Video footage obtained by Afghanistan International shows large crowds gathered around the police command building, though the exact number of those detained remains unclear. Estimates vary widely, with one local source claiming around 100 people have been taken into custody, while another source close to the Taliban puts the figure at 35.
The Taliban has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
