Taliban Detain Two UNAMA Staff Members in Herat

DID Press: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said two Afghan male staff members were detained by Taliban authorities in Herat on Sunday.

UNAMA said in a statement that the two employees were detained by officials from the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence. The UN mission said it has not been informed of the allegations against the two staff members and has not been granted access to them.

UNAMA called on the Taliban authorities to respect the immunities and privileges of the United Nations and its personnel, as guaranteed under international law.

The UN mission did not provide further details about where the two employees are being held or their current condition.

The detentions come amid continued concerns over the operating environment for international organizations and humanitarian workers in Afghanistan, including their ability to carry out their work without interference or arbitrary detention.