SOCIETY — June 17, 2026
Taliban Detain Two Girls in Herat for Dress Code Violations
Dozens of women and girls have been detained across Herat province in the past two weeks, with the United Nations confirming the actions and protests taking place in more than 10 countries against compulsory veiling.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read

Taliban security personnel in Herat have taken two young girls into custody for alleged violations of the dress code. The operation was conducted by members of the Ministry of Virtue and Vice in the city. This incident forms part of a series of enforcement measures aimed at regulating women's clothing in public areas.
Najibullah Ali, the head of security for the Taliban police command in Herat, announced that the arrests of women failing to observe hijab and related dress requirements would proceed without interruption. He highlighted the importance of upholding these standards as essential to preserving local cultural values.
During the last two weeks, Taliban forces have detained dozens of women and girls throughout Herat province on grounds of non-compliance with these regulations. Multiple sources within the region have reported on the scale of these actions.
Confirmation of the arrests has come from the United Nations, which has acknowledged the detentions occurring in Herat. The events, including interactions with protesters in the Jibraeel area, have triggered solidarity protests across more than 10 countries. Those participating in the demonstrations have urged the authorities to free the detained girls and women while calling for an end to mandatory veiling rules.
These developments illustrate the active role of Taliban institutions in enforcing social conduct guidelines in the province. Local police officials have reiterated their commitment to ongoing monitoring to prevent breaches of the established norms. The international protests reflect widespread concern over the implications of such policies for women's freedoms in the region.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct on-record attribution from named Taliban official Najibullah Ali along with eyewitness and local source reports; UN confirmation also referenced
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "brutal crackdown" is not present but the phrasing "imposition of compulsory dress," "sparked a wave of protests," and "confronted with protests and criticism from activists" uses advocacy language that frames the policy negatively and emphasizes opposition to evoke sympathy for those affected.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Taliban Open Fire on Herat Protesters, Shoot Women and Demonstrators in the Streets - Hasht-e Subh8am.media
One Herat resident said the arrests of women were ongoing. Despite the streets having been largely emptied of women, <strong>the Taliban still detained two girls from District 15 of Herat and took them away.</strong>
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed that <strong>at least 30 women were detained in Herat between June 6 and June 7</strong> by officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Taliban police.
- Two killed in rare street demonstration over women’s rights in Afghanistan | Global development | The Guardiantheguardian.com
<strong>Officials made a wave of arrests in recent days targeting women and young girls accused of “improper hijab”.</strong> Residents say many families had received no information about the whereabouts or condition of those detained.
Across the newsrooms
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Afghanistan International
Originating
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Society — Taliban, Herat, Women's arrests, Dress code, Hijab enforcement
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