Taliban House Searches in Kabul: A Rough Day for Residents
Picture this: you’re scrolling through your morning news when a headline pops up about the Taliban sweeping streets around the Afghan capital. Hear that? It’s a full‑scale “clearing operation” meant to root out crime, but locals say it feels a lot more like a surprise raid on their very homes.
What’s Going On?
The Taliban’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, insisted the raids are targeted – only households flagged with criminal suspicions get a visit. “It’s not against just anyone; we’re after kidnappers, professional thieves, and crime groups,” he told reporters on February 27.
- Weapons were confiscated during the raids.
- Dozens of alleged criminals were taken away.
- Six members of the Islamic State militant group were arrested.
Residents Feel the Heat
Seven people living around Kabul (names withheld for safety) described the searches as indiscriminate and unsettling.
- “I don’t want them to enter my house, see my sisters, or search my clothes and papers. I don’t want them to disturb my mother.”
- One resident was prepared to keep his father at home so they’d have the “female members” (girls, wives, etc.) present for the Taliban’s visit.
- Another lamented that the officials entered with shoes on, ignoring the local custom of removing footwear.
Foreign Diplomats Raise Concerns
European and German officials didn’t stay silent. Marcus Potzel, Germany’s designated ambassador to Afghanistan, tweeted about the intimidation and violence reported by “criminals” in and around Kabul, admitting that ordinary citizens feel the brunt.
Why It Matters
Since the Taliban seized control in August, experts warn of a growing crackdown on dissent. Voice‑bold activists and prominent women especially fear retaliation. International agencies and governments are alarmed by recent disappearances of female activists, and they’re watching the situation closely.
In short, what began as a “clean‑up” campaign has turned into a tense, border‑less drama that’s tightening the grip on Kabul’s everyday life.
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Taliban Claims It’s Looking Into Violence “But the EU’s Say “Stop the House Raids”
In a slam‑down episode that’s already making headlines, Taliban officials are coming to a head with the European Union over police tactics in Kabul.
What the Taliban says
- The police are allowed to wear shoes. It’s part of the “military operation,” the spokesperson says.
- Only female officers will search women’s personal items. The rest will keep their distance.
- Local religious leaders will join the police during searches, acting as a kind of “roster‑check” to keep things in line.
In addition, a Taliban spokesperson named Mujahid promised to investigate reports of questionable behaviour and personal disappearances. “We’ve got our eyes on it,” he said.
EU’s reaction
European Union Ambassador Andreas von Brandt is calling an end to the house searches right now. “This can’t go on,” he tweeted, sneaking in a sly nod to Russia, “Despite Putin’s war, we’re keeping you on our radar.”
What’s happening underneath the surface
- Police are performing door‑to‑door sweeps that feel more like a “twitch” than an ordinary search.
- The Taliban is pushing back, claiming they’re all “good folks” committed to fairness.
- The EU is pressing for a halt, saying the raids feel invasive and outdated.
With the UN proposing an $8.2 million stipend for Taliban security roles, tensions are high. You can almost feel the city hustle on the streets while these political tug‑of‑wars play out behind the curtains.
