Taliban once again detained several vendor money exchangers in the city of Herat on Wednesday, according to sources.
The arrests follow a crackdown earlier this week when the Taliban apprehended more than 70 money exchangers for operating without licenses.
In August, the Taliban introduced new regulations for money exchangers in Herat, requiring them to provide large sums as guarantees to continue their operations.
Many exchangers have struggled to comply with the new rules, citing economic difficulties. According to exchangers, the Taliban has demanded guarantees of 6.5 million Afghanis (about $74,000 USD) from each of them.
Nearly 80 percent of money exchangers in Herat have been unable to meet these requirements, forcing them to shut down their businesses, sources said. In protest, the exchangers gathered in front of the Taliban governor’s office in Herat, urging the authorities to reconsider the stringent regulations.
The restrictions have severely impacted the local economy, with around 80 percent of money exchange activities in the province coming to a halt, according to the exchangers.
