Residents of Herat say tensions remain high across the city, particularly in predominantly Hazara neighborhoods, as some residents discuss holding another protest on Friday afternoon following a Taliban crackdown on demonstrations over the detention of women accused of violating their dress code.
Several residents told Amu TV on Friday that Taliban patrols and vehicle convoys have increased in recent days, with security forces maintaining a visible presence in various parts of the city.
“Since last night, a large number of Taliban have been deployed in these neighborhoods, and people have been told to leave their homes only when necessary because the situation is unstable,” one resident said.
Residents said Taliban have also been inspecting mobile phones at some intersections and major roads. One resident said many people believe the searches are aimed at identifying individuals who participated in or documented the recent protests.
Local sources said discussions have been taking place among some residents about organizing another demonstration after Friday prayers. However, they added that heightened security measures and the increased Taliban presence could prevent such a gathering from taking place.
The reports come as Taliban continue to deny reports of widespread detentions in Herat, despite accounts from residents and international organizations documenting the detention of women and the subsequent protests.
Some residents said the official narrative presented by Taliban differs sharply from what they have witnessed in recent days.
“Domestic media are trying to portray the situation as normal, and Taliban officials say no one has been detained,” one resident said. “But the atmosphere in the city tells a different story.”
According to residents, fear has become widespread, prompting many people — both men and women — to leave their homes only when absolutely necessary.
“There is a great deal of fear among the people,” another resident said. “Many do not even discuss what is happening and spend their days in silence.”
The unrest began after Taliban morality police detained dozens of women in Herat over alleged violations of dress regulations. The arrests sparked protests in the Jebrail area of the city, where demonstrators gathered to demand the release of the women and protest growing restrictions on women’s rights.
On Wednesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed that at least one boy was killed by gunfire during the protests and that several others were injured. The UN mission said it was also reviewing reports of a second fatality.
Human Rights Watch, UN Women and a group of UN human rights experts have since criticized the crackdown, expressing concern over the use of force against demonstrators and the detention of women for alleged dress-code violations.
Taliban have not publicly acknowledged any deaths or arrests linked to the protests.
