Taliban accused of systematic killings of former Afghan soldiers

Fresh allegations of grave human rights abuses by the Taliban have emerged following detailed reports by Afghan media and international organisations, exposing a systematic campaign of violence against former security personnel, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

An investigation published by the Afghan newspaper Hasht-e-Subh revealed that during 2025, the Taliban killed at least 123 former military officials across 29 provinces, while another 131 were arrested in 20 provinces and subjected to severe torture. 

The report described methods including electric shocks, heated metal rods and beatings with steel cables inside Taliban detention facilities.

According to the findings, most arrests were carried out without judicial warrants, while affected families reported being threatened with severe repercussions if they spoke to journalists or human rights groups. 

The climate of fear and censorship, the report noted, has played a major role in suppressing public scrutiny of these abuses.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has also confirmed incidents of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and torture targeting former government officials and members of the security forces. 

UN officials and independent experts have warned that such violations have largely remained hidden from international attention due to intimidation and restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities.

Regional analysts have further expressed concern that external support, particularly alleged backing from India, has emboldened the Taliban regime at a time when fears of rising extremism and instability are growing. 

They caution that the Taliban’s increasingly authoritarian and hardline policies pose serious risks not only to Afghanistan’s future but to broader regional security.

Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor