Crackdown on Public Protests in Herat: Arrests and Injuries of Protesters by the Taliban

Eyewitnesses and local sources in Herat have reported that public protests in the Jebraeel district of the province were met with a violent response from Taliban forces. According to sources, local residents staged a demonstration on Tuesday to protest recent arrests of women and the Taliban’s policies on mandatory hijab. However, the gathering turned violent when Taliban forces resorted to direct gunfire, shooting into the air, and beatings. Local sources say that a number of protesters were arrested during the incident, and approximately 30 residents have been detained by Taliban forces. There are also reports of several protesters being wounded, including individuals injured by gunfire. However, the exact number of wounded and detained remains unclear. Videos released from the scene show Taliban forces using weapons to disperse the protesters. Investigations indicate the shooting took place on Istqlal Street 1 in the Jebraeel district of Herat. After the main gathering was dispersed, sources say Taliban forces maintained a heavy presence throughout the Jebraeel district in an effort to prevent further protests from forming. According to them, the area has taken on a semi-militarised state, with Taliban patrols continuing in alleys and roads. Taliban officials have so far made no comment on the incident or the status of those detained.