RASC News Agency: Reports from the western province of Farah in Afghanistan reveal the operation of markets by the Taliban, specifically identified as the “Tuesday Bazaar” and “Friday Bazaar” in the Pusht Rood district. An informed source in Farah, choosing to remain anonymous, relayed to RASC News correspondent on Saturday, January 13, that these markets have been established for Taliban members since the era of Ashraf Ghani’s government.
The source added that on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Taliban predominantly engage in the buying and selling of weapons within the framework of their group. According to the source, the weapons involved in these transactions must have legal documentation for circulation among the group members and potential buyers. Furthermore, the source emphasizes that in the past, documentation for buying and selling these weapons was not necessary. However, due to security concerns, this has now become a stringent requirement.
Despite this, other sources in Farah, who disclosed information to RASC News, state that all of the Taliban’s activities, particularly those involving their personal entities, are more prevalent in various regions. The source adds that the majority of Taliban transactions involve the cultivation and trafficking of narcotics, the buying and selling of heavy and light weapons, and some other related matters. According to the source, in some instances, members of the Taliban sell their own weapons and request additional arms from higher authorities.
The source adds that the price of seven-shot weapons is 25,000 kabuli rupees, and Kalashnikovs are traded close to 100,000 kabuli rupees among the Taliban and non-members of the group. Yet another source, maintaining anonymity, informed RASC correspondent: “Whatever the members of the Taliban say, it happens, and the most destructive actions have occurred at the hands of these individuals.” The source adds that Afghanistan is in such a state that every individual is fleeing, and there is no guarantee for tomorrow to appear bright.
This source asserts that over time, it has been established that members of the Taliban have been responsible for all suicide attacks, explosions, terrorist acts, and other destructive actions. Now that power is in their hands, they talk about reconstruction and redevelopment. Meanwhile, Farooq Azami, a civil activist in western Afghanistan, affirms that the situation has transformed Afghanistan into a regional mafia. Azami adds that if analyzed realistically, the Taliban are considered the most dangerous terrorist group in the region and even globally. It should be noted that the authorities of the Taliban in the Farah province have not commented on this matter.
It is worth mentioning that from the earliest days of their presence in Afghanistan, members of the Taliban have subjected all segments of society, especially women, to extensive oppression and cruelty. It must be remembered that from the closure of girls’ schools and universities to the imprisonment of women and their bizarre torture, the actions of this group have been well-documented.
