Taliban disperse protest gathering in Herat with gunfire

Local sources report that young protesters assembled near the office of the Taliban governor in Herat province on the twenty second of Jawza. The group had come together to demand an end to the restrictions placed on women. This action was taken in response to the arrests of several women and girls in the region.

The protest gathering was dispersed rapidly when Taliban forces opened fire on the participants. The use of gunfire occurred soon after the protesters had started their demonstration. In advance of the event, Taliban forces had been deployed in large numbers throughout the city of Herat. These deployments were intended to stop any potential protest gatherings from occurring.

The demonstration took place in the central area of the city. It formed part of a number of ongoing protests that have been held in Herat against the restrictions on women. The arrests mentioned were carried out by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Reports of these arrests have prompted reactions from various groups both within the country and from the international community.

No comments have been made by the Taliban concerning the protest itself. There has also been no official response from the Taliban regarding the reports of gunfire being used during the dispersal of the gathering.