Taliban Disarm Shia Mosque Guards in Herat, Raising Security Fears

DID Press: Taliban authorities have reportedly disarmed security guards assigned to Shia mosques in Herat without prior notice, prompting concerns over the safety of worshippers and the risk of renewed attacks against the Shia community. Local sources say the Taliban have not publicly explained the decision, despite the guards’ longstanding role in protecting religious sites from ISIS-K attacks.

According to local sources, Taliban authorities on Tuesday confiscated the weapons of security personnel assigned to Shia mosques across Herat, triggering widespread concern among members of the province’s Shia community.

A source familiar with the matter said the Taliban provided no explanation to local officials or mosque administrators regarding the decision, raising fears that security at Shia places of worship could be weakened.

The guards had been responsible for protecting Shia mosques since the previous Afghan government and continued serving in coordination with Taliban security structures following the group’s return to power.

Local sources said the security personnel played a key role in safeguarding worshippers and preventing attacks by ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province), which has repeatedly targeted Shia communities in Herat since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.