Taliban official says dozens of criminals arrested in sweeps

Taliban forces have arrested dozens of criminals, kidnappers and smugglers in operations throughout Kabul, a Taliban authorities spokesman stated on Sunday.
The clearance operations started within the capital and neighbouring provinces two days in the past, and can proceed, Zabiullah Mujahid stated in a press convention. The purpose was to gather weapons and arrest suspects, he added.

“The operation was successful,” he stated. Hundreds of sunshine and heavy weapons have been confiscated, together with rocket-launchers and grenades, he stated. Over 60,000 rounds of ammunition have been additionally uncovered, in addition to 13 armoured autos and 13 tons of gunpowder and explosives.

Mujahid additionally welcomed a latest US resolution to ease restrictions on Afghan banks. The new normal license issued by the US Treasury will enable for cash transfers for Afghan businessmen and others, however exclude particular person Taliban members.

He stated he hoped the US will proceed to ease restrictions. Billions of {dollars} of Afghan belongings are frozen in US banks, severely hampering state establishments within the as soon as aid-dependent nation.

In complete, 9 kidnappers, six Islamic State members, and 53 thieves have been arrested. Two kidnapped people have been additionally launched.

The operations, through which Taliban went door to door, have garnered criticism amid reviews of abuse suffered by civilians — together with minority teams and ladies — by the hands of Taliban forces.

“The intimidations, house searches, arrests and violence against members of different ethnic groups and women are crimes and must stop immediately,” tweeted Andreas von Brandt, EU ambassador to Afghanistan who has not returned to the nation for the reason that Taliban takeover in August.

Responding to criticism, Mujahid stated the operation was “well organised” and included feminine safety personnel.

“All these efforts are for the benefit of the people, it was necessary for the people and the government to launch such an operation,” he stated.