Taliban Fighters Open Fire on Protesters in Herat
Several residents of Herat, injured by gunfire from Taliban fighters, have confirmed that the group’s forces fired directly at demonstrators. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, June 9, in the Jebreil district of Herat city, where people had gathered to protest the detention of women by the Taliban’s morality police.
The injured told 8 Sobh newspaper that bullets were fired directly at both women and men. According to them, some of the wounded were hit in the legs, with bullets still lodged inside their bodies. Videos released of the victims clearly show the effects of gunshot wounds.
One of the injured said, “They were shooting directly with Kalashnikovs at girls and boys. The bullet is still in my leg.” He emphasized that no prior warning was given.
The exact number of those injured remains unclear. Some protesters say that due to fear and the risk of arrest, many of the wounded were taken to their homes instead of hospitals.
Local residents have reported that the presence of Taliban forces in hospitals has discouraged the wounded from seeking treatment. They claim the Taliban identify the injured and even detain some of their family members, increasing concerns over access to basic healthcare services.
Videos from the scene also show Taliban fighters using live fire to disperse the protests. This action comes as crackdowns on civil gatherings and restrictions on citizens’ rights, especially those of women, continue to face widespread domestic and international criticism.
