Last night I received the following article from my friend U* (*name withheld). Communication is not always immediate due to her circumstances. I had the writing translated today – so strong and informative.
"In a behind-the-scenes deal with the US government, the Afghan government handed over most of the districts (cities) and provinces of the country to the Taliban criminal group without resistance or conflict. Young people, especially women and children from Malistan, Ghazni to Ghaziabad, Kunar and Maimay, Badakhshan and Rustaq, Takhar and other provinces, are experiencing gradual deaths due to the inhumane laws imposed by the Taliban in these areas.
Kunduz province
In areas where the Taliban and the government clashed, many people lost their lives and property. The people suffered many casualties in this devastating war. The majority of the locals went to safer places with a heavy heart after their houses were destroyed in the war and they lost everything. And they lived on the roads without any facilities.
Kabul
The IDPs are in the worst condition and do not even have access to safe water and food. Unfortunately, the government has not yet provided any assistance to the displaced, who have lost all their capital and loved ones in these wars.
In the Malistan district of Ghazni province, the Taliban brutally shot innocent people in the district for being Hazaras and set fire to their crops and annual crops. The houses of those who served in the army or the national police were destroyed.
In Dand district of Kandahar province, a comedian was kicked out of his house at night and shot. This is one of the examples of their crimes. Wherever the Taliban go, they first of all kill political intellectuals, artists, journalists, women's rights activists and government employees, especially female employees, and so on.
In Jawzjan districts, people who were fighting against the group were listed and assassinated one by one at night. In the Maimi, Shaghanan, and Darwaz districts, which are inhabited by Ismailis (religious minority) and do not have to pray five times a day, they were threatened by the Taliban to pray five times a day in congregation in a mosque. Otherwise they are punished with death.
In all the provinces and districts under the control of this group, a large number of young people have fled to Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan and other countries, and the remaining few are suffering from mental health problems."
all images taken from public Afghan Facebook posts. courtesy of U