Hundreds of former Afghan forces have disappeared or been killed by Taliban – Human Rights Watch

More than 100 former Afghan security forces have been killed by the Taliban or have disappeared since the militants seized control, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.

According to HRW, an amnesty promised by Taliban’s leadership to former special forces didn’t prevent local commanders from targeting the former soldiers and police.

HRW accused the leadership of “condoning” the “deliberate” killings.

Recently, a Taliban spokesman recently denied any revenge killings were taking place in Afghanistan.

Remember that the militant group seized control of Afghanistan in August as the US withdrew its last military troops after 20 years of war, deposing the government of Ashraf Ghani.

The Taliban assured former government staff that they would be safe under a general amnesty towards those who had worked for the police, army, or other branches of the state.

The Taliban is widely held responsible for a ruthless campaign of assassinations in the 18 months between early 2020 and their takeover of the country in August. The victims included judges, journalists and peace activists.

According to the HRW report, published on Tuesday, November 30, the targeted killings have continued under the Taliban administration, with more than 100 people being killed or having disappeared across four provinces – Ghazni, Helmand, Kunduz, and Kandahar.

The charity said the Taliban had directed members of surrendering security forces units to register to receive a letter guaranteeing their safety, but instead used the information to detain and execute or “disappear” individuals within days of their registration.

The Taliban have also used employment records left behind by the former government to identify people for arrest and execution, HRW said.

“The Taliban leadership’s promised amnesty has not stopped local commanders from summarily executing or disappearing former Afghan security force members,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at the charity.

“The burden is on the Taliban to prevent further killings, hold those responsible to account, and compensate the victims’ families,” she added.

Taliban Prime Minister, Mohammed Hassan Akhund, in response to the report said;

“When the Taliban took over, they announced amnesty for all. Has there been any example of this?” he said, referring to retaliation. “There is no problem for anyone.”