The Taliban has launched a series of house-to-house searches in Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province, targeting former military personnel, local sources told Afghanistan International.
The search operation, which began last week, has so far resulted in the arrest of at least eight former army, police, and national security officers, allegedly on charges of possessing illegal weapons.
Local residents reported on Thursday that the Taliban has been systematically searching the homes of former government security personnel and interrogating family members.
In an earlier raid in the Kherokarez area of Tarinkot, Taliban forces arrested one individual after targeting the residence of a former government official.
According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, the operation led to the seizure of seven AK-47 rifles, an M-16 rifle, a pistol, six radio communication devices, a night-vision scope, and other military-grade equipment. The ministry said the detainee will be handed over to judicial authorities once investigations are complete.
Three days ago, Taliban forces also raided the home of another former official in Uruzgan, claiming to have confiscated more weapons and military equipment. The group stated that the items had been hidden with the intention of being used in armed resistance.
The Taliban has repeatedly targeted former members of the Afghan security forces, despite earlier pledges of amnesty following its return to power in August 2021. Human rights groups have raised concerns about arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and reprisals against ex-security personnel across the country.
