KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have detained the father of a former soldier in Afghanistan’s central Daykundi province over allegations of possessing weapons and ammunition, local sources reported.
The man, identified as 60-year-old Sher Mohammad, was reportedly arrested about a week ago in Kajran district after being deported from Iran. Sources said he has been subjected to severe torture during detention as the Taliban insist he possesses weapons — a claim his family denies.
According to the sources, Sher Mohammad’s son served as the commander of a National Directorate of Security (NDS) checkpoint under the previous government in Daikundi. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, he surrendered to the group and handed over all his weapons.
Community elders have made several attempts in recent days to secure Sher Mohammad’s release, but the Taliban have not agreed to free him, the sources added. His family has been denied visits and remains concerned about his health and safety.
Taliban authorities in Daykundi have not commented on the arrest.
Since regaining power, the Taliban have repeatedly detained, tortured, and in some cases killed former soldiers and their relatives despite announcing a nationwide “general amnesty.”
In its latest report, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented at least 14 killings and 21 cases of arbitrary detention of former soldiers and officials between July and September 2025. UNAMA said Taliban forces have also targeted returnees from Iran, including several former security personnel arrested in Faryab province in late September.
The UN and human rights groups have repeatedly criticized the Taliban for “acts of revenge” and widespread human rights violations, urging the regime to respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including former soldiers and their relatives.
