Serious allegations of human rights violations have emerged against the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan over the systematic targeting of former military and security personnel.
According to reports by Afghan media and international organizations, the Taliban carried out coordinated actions against former security officials across the country during 2025.
Afghan media reported that at least 123 former military personnel were killed in 29 provinces of Afghanistan during the year. The report further stated that in 20 provinces, at least 131 former security officials were arrested and subjected to severe physical torture.
The report said former soldiers detained in Taliban prisons were tortured using electric shocks, heated metal rods, and steel cables. Most of the arrests were carried out without any judicial warrants.
Affected families revealed that the Taliban threatened them with serious consequences if they spoke to the media, resulting in many incidents remaining unreported at the international level.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, has also confirmed cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture of former government officials and security force personnel.
Experts say that fear, censorship, and intimidation have kept alleged Taliban abuses away from sustained global scrutiny for an extended period.
Regional analysts warn that despite growing security concerns, alleged external support for the interim Taliban government has further complicated the situation, potentially increasing risks not only for Afghanistan but for the wider region as well.
