RASC News Agency: On Wednesday, December 6th, local sources in Balkh province provided reports stating that the Taliban had detained two former soldiers. This occurrence contributes to a string of arrests involving ex-government soldiers across various provinces. Mohammad Sharif, one of the soldiers, was apprehended by the Taliban in Mazar-e-Sharif, the provincial center, four days ago. Additionally, another individual named Mohammad Shekib was arrested in Karta-e-Amani, Mazar Sharif.
According to the sources, Mohammad Shekib’s arrest was prompted by the discovery of a bullet near his residence. It is important to note that both individuals had previously served as members of the police forces during the previous regime. Despite the Taliban’s announcement of amnesty, many soldiers from the former government have faced arrests, torture, imprisonment, and even death on various pretexts since the group took control of the country.
In a recent incident in Takhar province, the Taliban targeted the house of a former government soldier, leading to the arrest of three of his family members. It is crucial to emphasize that the Taliban’s arrest campaign has expanded beyond former government military personnel, with civilians, particularly residents of Panjshir and individuals belonging to non-Pashtun tribes, also being detained. The situation remains concerning as the Taliban continues to exert control and impose its authority across Afghanistan.
The Taliban group remains steadfast in their policy, despite the persistent appeals from international organizations and foreign nations to cease the arrest, torture, and killing of ex-soldiers and Afghanistani citizens.