Taliban official: dozens of criminals arrested in operations across Kabul
- The operations, in which Taliban went door-to-door, have drawn criticism amid reports of abuse suffered by civilians – including minority groups and women
- Nine kidnappers, six Islamic State members, and 53 thieves were arrested. Two abducted individuals were also released, said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid
Taliban forces have arrested dozens of criminals, kidnappers and smugglers in operations across Kabul, a Taliban government spokesman said on Sunday.
The clearance operations began in the capital and neighbouring provinces two days ago, and will continue, Zabiullah Mujahid said in a press conference. The aim was to collect weapons and arrest suspects, he added.
“The operation was successful,” he said. Hundreds of light and heavy weapons were confiscated, including rocket-launchers and grenades, he said. More than 60,000 rounds of ammunition were also uncovered, as well as 13 armoured vehicles and 13 tons of gunpowder and explosives.
Mujahid also welcomed a recent US decision to ease restrictions on Afghan banks. The new general licence issued by the US Treasury will allow for money transfers for Afghan businessmen and others, but exclude individual Taliban members.
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He said he hoped the US will continue to ease restrictions. Billions of dollars of Afghan assets are frozen in US banks, severely hampering state institutions in the once aid-dependent country.
