Story perspectives

Taliban Detain 20 Aid Workers Over Beards, Then Release

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taliban morality police detained 20 aid workers for short beards at the Islam Qala crossing on Saturday.
The detainees were staff of UN-implementing partners, per an International Organization for Migration notice.
All detainees were released, with some freed the same day and rest on Sunday after being taken to Kohsan.
Ziauddin Taib, Herat’s morality police chief, said no NGO staff were arrested but five government employees were detained for beards.

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Story summary

Taliban morality police detained 20 aid workers for short beards at the Islam Qala crossing on Saturday.
The detainees were staff of UN-implementing partners, per an International Organization for Migration notice.
All detainees were released, with some freed the same day and rest on Sunday after being taken to Kohsan.
Ziauddin Taib, Herat’s morality police chief, said no NGO staff were arrested but five government employees were detained for beards.