Taliban Forces Open Fire on Protesters in Herat Over Arrests of Women

International media outlets have reported on protests that took place in the Jibraeel area of Herat against the mass arrest of women for not observing mandatory hijab rules.

Taliban forces responded to the demonstrations by opening fire, resulting in at least one or two deaths and multiple injuries. Security personnel also used sticks, whips, and guns to disperse the crowds.

The protests are described as rare public demonstrations under Taliban rule. Outlets including CNN, CBS, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Reuters provided coverage of the incident.

The Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has denied the arrest of women in Herat.

Reports show some variation in casualty figures, with accounts mentioning one death or two deaths in total, and injury counts ranging from several wounded to at least three people hospitalized with gunshot wounds.