Several residents of Kabul city have complained about an increase in armed robberies in recent days. They say these incidents are rising at an alarming rate, but the Taliban are not paying serious attention to them. According to them, despite repeated complaints being filed with Taliban district offices, no effective action has been taken to curb the situation. They add that thieves not only break into homes, but also lie in wait for pedestrians in streets and alleyways and target them. These residents emphasize that the installation of security cameras and Taliban patrols has had no impact on reducing these thefts.
Some Kabul residents told the Hasht-e Subh Daily that the Taliban have created conditions in which the process of handling theft cases is marked by delays and negligence. According to them, even to follow up on a simple theft case, people must wait for hours, wander between various Taliban institutions, and ultimately face standard responses such as “we will investigate” or “there is not enough evidence.” They stress that this situation has increased the sense of insecurity among the public.
Asghar, an employee of one of the banks in Kabul, says that the recent rise in armed robberies has caused him serious concern. He adds that not only he himself, but also those around him, worry daily about their safety and take precautions when leaving their workplace to avoid being targeted. He says, “Armed robberies have increased significantly in recent days. All my colleagues are cautious when going out, and people are constantly talking about this situation.”
Atifa, another resident of Kabul city, says that despite the installation of security cameras and the presence of Taliban forces, armed robberies in the capital continue, and people do not feel safe even near security centers. She adds that in the past week, two people in her neighborhood were attacked by thieves over mobile phones.
This Kabul resident says: “One of the victims was wounded with a knife, and the other had their mobile phone stolen. The Taliban do not pay attention to these incidents, and when people go to file complaints, they are met with responses such as ‘this happens all over the world’ or examples from America and Europe. We do not feel safe even near security centers. If the security situation in Kabul is like this, what will happen in remote areas?”
Shahid, another Kabul resident, says that poverty, unemployment, and the Taliban’s lack of attention to controlling the security situation have led to an increase in crime in the city. He adds that social insecurity has existed in the past, but now people are facing it more than ever.
Criticizing the Taliban’s inaction against thieves and pickpockets, Shahid says: “This situation makes people think that [the Taliban] are complicit with criminals.” He adds from his own experience: “The security situation in Kabul is very challenging socially. The absence of systematic control in the city has led to theft and smuggling even inside taxis and on less crowded routes. Most people have had bitter experiences, and I am one of them. One night, when the road was quiet and taxis were scarce, I got into a car. Along the way, two people got into the taxi from both sides and took my phone and cash. If I had resisted, my life would have been in danger.”
Sultanbeg, another Kabul resident, says that the rise in thefts in Kabul has made this issue part of their daily concerns and nighttime security worries. He adds that, in addition to pickpocketing and home burglaries, trafficking and kidnappings by taxi drivers and some ordinary individuals have also reached their peak. According to him, if these incidents are controlled and the law is properly enforced, no one would dare to commit such crimes.
This Kabul resident says, “Unfortunately, the security situation and thefts in Kabul have become very bad. Home burglaries and pickpocketing have reached their peak, and kidnappings of ordinary people by some taxi drivers have also increased. A few days ago, a member of our family who intended to travel from Kabul to Mazar was targeted by the accomplices of a driver. The driver offered him a ride at a low cost, and along the way, they offered him a drink that had already been laced with sedatives. They took all his belongings, beat him nearly to death, and threw him from the vehicle into a ditch. He was transferred to a hospital by Taliban forces and is still unable to move, as his arms and legs were broken.”
After regaining control of Kabul, the Taliban have repeatedly spoken of establishing “sustainable security” across Afghanistan, especially in the capital. According to Kabul residents, in many cases, armed thieves steal vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and mobile phones from citizens, and if victims resist, they are wounded and sometimes even killed. However, the Taliban continue to deny these incidents in their speeches and statements and claim that citizens’ security is ensured.
At the same time, the Global Peace Index 2025 report shows that Afghanistan ranks among the most unstable countries in the world and has been identified as the fifth most insecure country globally and the most unstable country in South Asia. In the safety and security category, Afghanistan ranks 163rd, placing it at the bottom globally, and the level of peace in the country has decreased by 0.28 percent. In addition, in critical indicators, Afghanistan has received the worst possible score of 5 out of 5.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
