In response to calls for protests against the detention of women, the cities of Herat and Kabul witnessed a significant deployment of Taliban forces and the enforcement of strict security measures on Friday. Local sources say the situation has led to a noticeable decline in public movement, the closure of parts of markets, and growing public concern.
According to reports from Herat, Taliban forces were deployed across various sensitive areas of the city starting Thursday evening. Local sources state that military vehicles, heavy equipment, and special units were visibly present in several key parts of the city.
Eyewitnesses report that roads leading to the provincial governor’s office, Ma’arif Square, the vicinity of the sports stadium, and Mohbas Road were closed to civilian traffic on Friday. At the same time, Taliban forces set up checkpoints, searched pedestrians, and prevented gatherings near government institutions.
A resident of Herat said the city had taken on an intensely securitized atmosphere, with Taliban forces restricting access to certain central areas. According to him, any attempt to assemble was met with an immediate response from deployed personnel.
Local sources have also reported an impact on daily life. Some bakeries reportedly remained closed, and many markets experienced an unusual downturn due to reduced foot traffic, particularly among women.
These developments follow the Taliban’s dispersal of a protest in the Jebraeil area of Herat earlier in the week, where residents had gathered in response to the detention of girls.
In Kabul, the Dasht-e Barchi area in the western part of the city was also placed under heavy security measures. Videos shared by residents show Taliban forces stationed at multiple locations, stopping and questioning passersby.
Some women in the area said the heightened security presence and armed patrols have discouraged many women and girls from appearing in public, leaving the streets of Dasht-e Barchi noticeably quieter than usual.
Reports from Balkh Province also indicate that recent events in Herat have affected the general atmosphere in Mazar-i-Sharif. Local sources say public presence, especially of women, has declined in public spaces, and several major markets have suspended operations.
Residents of Mazar-i-Sharif have also reported unusually empty areas around the Shrine of Ali and a significant reduction in movement across different parts of the city.
Taliban authorities have not yet issued any official statement regarding the large-scale deployment of forces and security measures implemented in Herat, Kabul, and Balkh.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
