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Taliban Enforce Internet Blackout, Shoot Protest, Arrest Critics

6/13/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

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Taliban Crackdown Herat

Human rights groups condemned the nationwide internet blackout that further isolates women and girls.
Taliban security forces opened fire on a protest in Herat, killing at least two civilians and wounding dozens.
UN human-rights experts said the arrests violate freedom of expression and constitute arbitrary detention.
Médecins Sans Frontières reported a staff member arrested for dress-code violations and called it outrageous.

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Taliban Crackdown

On June 11, Taliban security personnel were posted outside a mosque in Shahrak-e-Almahdi, Jebrail district, Herat Province.
Taliban forces opened fire on a Herat protest, killing at least two and injuring more than 20.
About 30 women were detained in Injil district for alleged hijab violations.
UN Women said the arrests increased fear among Afghan women, while local officials denied detentions.

History

Historical Context

After the Taliban captured Kabul in September 1996, they imposed a strict Sharia regime that barred women from school and work. In February 1998 religious police forced women off the streets, blackened windows and shut home schools, while the UN reported the Taliban denied food aid to 160,000 starving civilians. The 2024 Herat protests echo those earlier crackdowns.

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Taliban Crackdown Herat

Human rights groups condemned the nationwide internet blackout that further isolates women and girls.
Taliban security forces opened fire on a protest in Herat, killing at least two civilians and wounding dozens.
UN human-rights experts said the arrests violate freedom of expression and constitute arbitrary detention.
Médecins Sans Frontières reported a staff member arrested for dress-code violations and called it outrageous.

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