Taliban arrests and protest violence reported in Herat

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) reported that at least 30 women were arrested in Herat, Afghanistan, for allegedly violating Taliban-imposed dress codes. While many of the detained women have since been released, the arrests triggered protests in the Injil district. UN Women stated that Taliban security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators—including men, women, and children—and physically assaulted them. Reports indicate that at least two people, including a boy, were killed and more than 20 others sustained injuries. The arrests were reportedly carried out by members of the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Local Taliban authorities have denied the reports of these arrests. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have implemented extensive restrictions on women and girls, limiting their access to education, employment, and sports.