Desperation of Citizens Amid Taliban Oppression: 80 Arrested, 38 Executed in September

In September 2024, the Taliban’s enforcement of its rule resulted in the arrest of approximately 81 individuals and the execution of at least 38, despite their assurances of a general amnesty. This crackdown has predominantly targeted former military personnel and civilians across 18 provinces.

An article by Hasht-e-Subh Daily on September 23 reveals that, of the 38 executions, 25 were carried out in various provinces, including Takhar, Ghor, Ghazni, Nangarhar, and Faryab. Additionally, 13 members of the Hazara community were executed near the Ghor border. This was also reported on South Asia Terrorism Portal.

Victims included former military members and civilians accused of affiliations with anti-Taliban groups or minor infractions, such as shaving their beards. Local sources suggest that the actual number of executions may be higher due to a lack of transparency and censorship within the region.

One significant incident involved the public display of six bodies in Takhar province, reportedly executed on charges of theft. This act has raised concerns regarding the Taliban’s use of public executions as a means of instilling fear. Furthermore, reports emerged of Kamaluddin Nizami, an accounting student, who was allegedly tortured for three days by Taliban intelligence before being killed in Ghor province. Another case involved Wali Mohammad Mosamim, a mathematics teacher in Badakhshan, who was shot dead by a Taliban official in his office.

The Taliban’s campaign against former military personnel has intensified, with around 65 individuals detained for alleged collaboration with the National Resistance Front or for expressing dissent. Many detainees have reportedly faced torture and coercion to confess to crimes, raising serious human rights concerns.

Internal divisions within the Taliban have also led to clashes among their ranks, resulting in the arrest of several fighters suspected of links to the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP). On September 14, seven Taliban members were reportedly detained on these charges, highlighting the group’s ongoing struggle with internal security.

The UN Secretary-General’s recent report noted a 53 percent increase in security incidents in Afghanistan between May and July 2024.