Residents of Nimruz province express frustration over a surge in armed robberies, accusing the Taliban of failing to ensure security or create job and income opportunities. Despite providing evidence to the Taliban, residents report that the group has not taken serious action to apprehend or pursue thieves. Their concerns come as the Taliban continue to claim they are enhancing security and reducing crime and armed theft.
Many Nimruz residents say that armed robberies have left them sleepless and deeply frustrated with the unchecked theft. They report that Zaranj, the provincial capital, sees at least four to five robberies daily. These residents describe the Taliban as ineffective in protecting people’s lives and property, noting that the group lacks clear policies to address theft or foster job opportunities.
Homayoun, a resident of Zaranj, says the rise in thefts, especially armed robberies, has caused serious alarm. He explains that isolated incidents might not be as concerning, but the growing number of robberies has eroded people’s sense of security. He emphasizes that armed robbers operate boldly, even in crowded areas of the city.
“These days, robberies in Nimruz have greatly increased, causing us intense worry,” he says. “Thieves move freely through markets, alleys, and even into people’s doorways. This situation has truly distressed us, the people of Nimruz.”
Homayoun recounts a personal experience from a week ago: “While I was heading home through a crowded market, a motorcyclist stopped me, pointed a gun at me, and demanded everything I had. He took my phone, cash, and all my belongings before fleeing. Sadly, this is the reality for all of us in Nimruz.”
Juma Khan, another resident, describes how armed thieves openly commit robberies in Zaranj. He recalls an incident about ten days ago when thieves stole cash from a shopkeeper and assaulted him. “Our home is in the fourth district,” he recounts. “Just a few nights ago, armed motorcyclists entered our neighbor’s shop, taking 600,000 afghanis in cash and phones, and beating both the shopkeeper and his assistant.”
Behzad, also a resident of Zaranj, shares how he was robbed and assaulted by thieves while returning from a family gathering. “I was leaving a relative’s house when three armed individuals, whom I initially thought were Taliban members, stopped me. They forced me out of my car, kicked me, and then drove off with my vehicle,” he recalls.
Meanwhile, videos sent to the Hasht-e Subh Daily from Nimruz capture a robbery at an exchange office in the province. Those who submitted the videos report that such incidents happen daily in Nimruz, yet the Taliban, despite having access to evidence, fail to act.
The footage shows two robbers entering the exchange office and seizing cash. An exchange dealer in Nimruz reports that these robbers stole 400,000 Afghanis, 100 million Iranian tomans, and 1,900 Turkish lira from the office.
This dealer, who requested anonymity, says, “Unfortunately, numerous thefts have occurred, with robbers even entering shops to steal. Beyond this robbery, which took place three days ago, there have been similar incidents. We even provided the Taliban with security camera images and videos, but no thief has been arrested so far.” He adds that, instead of preventing theft, the Taliban are imposing restrictions on businesses, collecting large sums in taxes and cleaning fees without providing any services in return.
The Taliban have not responded to media inquiries about the rise in thefts in Nimruz, but the number of recent arrests by the group suggests a rising crime rate in the province.
However, sources from the Taliban’s police command in Nimruz confirmed to the Hasht-e Subh Daily that they have arrested at least 19 people on various criminal charges in the past two days, with some allegedly connected to thefts.
You can read the Persian version of this daily report here:
باشندهگان نیمروز: از افزایش سرقتها به ستوه آمدهایم | روزنامه ۸صبح
