Taliban police confirm beating of at least 12 children in Spin Boldak

Taliban police in Kandahar have confirmed that two members of the group beat and tortured a number of children in Spin Boldak district. In a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the police command said the two men had been arrested and their case had been referred to court for review.

In a video published on social media, two armed Taliban members are seen stopping at least 12 children along the Spin Boldak-Chaman route and beating them with sticks. Afghanistan International sources said the children were accused of illegally transporting goods or smuggling goods along the route.

The video’s release has drawn widespread reactions on social media, with some users describing the Taliban members’ treatment of the children as inhumane. The Taliban said the two detained members would respond to the allegations through the judicial process.