Taliban release two detained UN staff members in Afghanistan

Two United Nations staff members detained in Herat, Afghanistan, on August 9 have been released. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed their release on Thursday morning, stating the individuals appear to be in good health and that charges against them have reportedly been dropped. The UN has not been formally notified of the reasons for their detention and is continuing to follow up with Afghan authorities regarding the incident. This release follows a series of detentions by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, and the UN is working to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for its personnel nationwide.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have released two United Nations staff members who were detained in Herat on August 9th. The UN confirmed their release on Thursday, stating that the reasons for their detention remain unclear and that they have not been formally notified. The organization is following up to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of UN personnel in the country. This incident is part of a series of detentions by Taliban authorities, including the reported "forcible disappearance" of six staff members from a local women's and children's rights organization for over a month. The Taliban seized power in August 2021 and have since imposed severe restrictions on women and girls.