Several citizens in various provinces have expressed concern over the rising number of thefts in the country. They say that despite the Taliban’s claims of ensuring security, they do not feel safe, and that most of these robberies are carried out by individuals wearing Taliban uniforms. According to these individuals, the continuation of the current situation is alarming, and armed robberies and theft of people’s property have increased. Citizens emphasize that many people refrain from reporting thefts due to threats from the Taliban and fear possible interrogation or punishment by the group. This comes as a video was recently circulated in the media showing armed robbers dressed in Taliban uniforms entering a jewelry shop and opening fire on the shopkeepers. Local sources confirm that the incident took place in Andkhoy district of Faryab province, in front of the public and Taliban forces. They also attribute the incident to the Taliban and hold the group responsible.
Despite the Taliban’s claims of ensuring security, citizens across the country have voiced concern over the increase in thefts, particularly armed robberies, stating that the current situation is the result of growing poverty and persistent unemployment. According to them, the return of migrants and the rise in unemployment have made conditions increasingly worse.
One Kabul resident, who asked not to be named, says that two nights ago, Taliban members broke the window of their house and attempted to enter. He stresses that most thefts used to occur during Ramadan at the time of iftar, but now thieves enter through the walls of houses. According to him, the continuation of this situation is deeply concerning.
Sana (pseudonym), a Kabul resident, says: “The walls of our house are low, and one of the problems of all houses in Kabul is that homes are connected. This has increased thefts, because thieves can easily enter and escape.”
This Kabul resident adds: “Previously, there was a night guard in the streets under the former government, and people cooperated with him, but now, despite the Taliban’s cameras, thefts in homes continue. This is the third time a thief has attempted to enter our house and failed. Since Ramadan, there have been several attempts, and we have been aware of them. Since then, we take turns staying awake, even though we do not have anything particularly valuable, but even these small items are worth stealing for a thief.”
Sana says: “Last night, they even removed the iron frame of our window and broke its glass to get inside. I do not understand how they failed. We ourselves installed iron bars and reinforced the windows. One of my father’s clothes was in the yard, and the thief took it. Our home has become like a prison because we have no security, and, out of necessity, we installed iron. The Taliban say there is security, but at night we cannot sleep out of fear of thieves. If this situation continues, our peace of mind will be destroyed. In our view, the causes of theft are poverty and unemployment; when people are well-fed and live comfortably, they do not steal. The thief fears the homeowner, and the homeowner fears the thief. People’s security must be ensured.”
Mohammad, a resident of Herat, says that thefts have increased in the city, and the ongoing situation has caused significant concern. According to him, people’s lives and property are not safe from thieves, and most of these thefts are carried out by Taliban fighters or individuals affiliated with the group.
This Herat resident says: “Herat currently does not have the capacity to accommodate all these returning migrants. Most people are unemployed, and poverty is increasing day by day. Every day, returnees come from Iran, while job opportunities are limited. As a result, hunger and economic pressure have increased, and therefore thefts have risen. Burglaries of homes and theft of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, have increased, and most of these acts are carried out by the Taliban or individuals affiliated with them; otherwise, under Taliban repression, no one would dare to steal.”
A resident of Andkhoy district in Faryab province, reacting to an armed robbery that resulted in the killing of two gold sellers in the district, says: “The thief himself is a Taliban or someone affiliated with the Taliban. Otherwise, who would dare to wear their uniform, be so well-equipped and armed with both a rifle and a handgun? In my view, the Taliban themselves are involved in these robberies.”
This comes as two days ago, local sources in Andkhoy district of Faryab province, by sending a video, reported that at around 2:15 p.m. on Monday, armed individuals in Taliban uniforms entered a jewelry shop and, in front of the public, opened fire on two gold sellers and took the jewelry with them.
Previously, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had expressed serious concern over the misuse of Taliban uniforms to carry out armed robberies, extortion, and illegal entry into people’s homes.
Human Rights Watch has also reported that some residents said that unidentified armed individuals, using the appearance and attire of Taliban forces, have carried out theft, threats, and intimidation against citizens.
According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Afghanistan ranks among the most unstable countries in the world, is the fifth most insecure globally, and is the most unstable in South Asia.
According to the report, Afghanistan ranks 163rd in the world in terms of safety and security, placing it at the bottom globally, and the level of peace in the country has declined by 0.28 percent. In addition, Afghanistan has received the worst possible score (5 out of 5) in critical indicators.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
امنیت ادعایی طالبان؛ وقتی مردم از دزد میترسند و از گزارش دادن هم وحشت دارند
