Some residents of the capital have expressed concerns about a surge in armed robberies in Kabul. They claim that, contrary to the Taliban’s assertions of ensuring nationwide security, the rates of theft and criminal activities in the capital are on the rise. These residents accuse the Taliban of failing to provide adequate security, voicing alarm over the increasing frequency of such incidents. Some residents also report that robbers, dressed in Taliban attire, enter people’s homes and plunder their possessions. They believe that if Taliban fighters are not directly involved in these thefts, ordinary individuals would not have the audacity to commit such crimes alone.
In interviews with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, several Kabul residents criticized the Taliban’s inability to maintain security, noting that in recent days and weeks, they have witnessed an increase in home burglaries, thefts of cash, and valuable items.
Omar (pseudonym), a resident of the Pacha Sahib area in the Pai-Monar district of Kabul, said that two weeks ago, seven armed robbers stormed his home late at night and stole 500,000 Afghanis. He added, “I had sold my land to hold my son’s wedding after three years of engagement, but the robbers held a gun to my forehead and forced my son to hand over the money to them.”
In most cases, armed robbers target vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and mobile phones, stealing them from citizens. If victims resist, they are often injured or even killed.
Sharifullah, another Kabul resident, said that a few days ago, his cousin was attacked by armed robbers in the 315 area. According to him, the assailants used a knife to steal 150,000 Afghanis from his cousin.
Sharifullah explained, “50,000 Afghanis belonged to him, and the rest was borrowed from friends and acquaintances for his wedding.” He added that his cousin was severely injured in the abdomen and thighs and is currently hospitalized in one of Kabul’s medical facilities.
Meanwhile, some women and girls have also complained about the inappropriate behavior of Taliban members. They report that Taliban forces often ignore their complaints and concerns, frequently refusing to address them.
Benafsha, a Kabul resident, said that on the day of Arafah, she went to the market to buy clothes and fruits for Eid when two individuals stole her mobile phone and money from her bag and fled. She added, “Taliban members responsible for patrolling the area [Maryam High School market] were just a few steps away from the incident. When I tried to report it to them, they didn’t even look at me. They usually avoid women and paid no attention to my complaint.”
Sohaila shared a similar experience, stating, “I was shopping for Eid fruits when robbers forcibly took my bag containing 5,000 Afghanis.” She noted that such incidents occur frequently in the area, but the Taliban take no action to prevent these thefts.
Meanwhile, other residents attribute the rise in thefts in Kabul to increasing poverty and unemployment. They believe that the lack of job opportunities and dire economic conditions have driven many young people toward criminal activities.
Elham, a resident of Kabul’s District 15, said that with rising unemployment and poverty, many people are forced to resort to theft to survive. He emphasized, “Many young people have no job opportunities, and when their stomachs are empty, they are compelled to do whatever it takes.”
Kabul residents say that with the spread of poverty and unemployment following the Taliban’s takeover, the number of armed robberies and nighttime crimes in the capital has significantly increased. They note that many young people, due to a lack of job opportunities and harsh living conditions, have turned to crime.
Previously, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed serious concern over the misuse of Taliban uniforms for armed robberies, extortion, and illegal entry into people’s homes.
Human Rights Watch has also reported that some residents have stated that unidentified armed individuals, disguised as Taliban forces, have engaged in theft, threats, and intimidation of citizens.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
