Afghanistan: Taliban confirm arrest of two suspects in connection with killings of four women in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, Nov. 6

Event

Taliban authorities confirmed Nov. 6 that they had arrested two suspects in connection with the recent killings of four women, including at least one activist, in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province. The arrested suspects reportedly lured the women to a house in the city's Fifth Police District; the women were found dead at the house in late October after they had received a call ostensibly inviting them to board an evacuation flight and were picked up by a vehicle. No further information regarding the suspects, including whether they had confessed to the killings or a potential motive, was immediately released. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident as of early November.

Context

Some activists have recently received suspicious communications from individuals claiming to be able to assist those seeking to depart Afghanistan. The suspicious phone calls and emails have asked activists to divulge personal information and travel to specific locations.

During their previous period of rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban largely prohibited women from participating in public activities. Since the Taliban again seized control of the country in August, many activists have fled Afghanistan. While Taliban fighters have forcibly dispersed demonstrations staged by some remaining women's rights advocates in recent months, Taliban leaders have claimed that their fighters are not permitted to kill activists.

Advice

Foreign nationals should strongly consider exiting Afghanistan, if possible. Persons seeking to depart the country should only provide relevant information to individuals and organizations vetted by trusted contacts; likewise, only adhere to evacuation instructions issued by vetted individuals and organizations.

In general, consider deferring all nonessential travel to Afghanistan until the security situation stabilizes. Maintain close contact with your diplomatic representation. Do not depart for the airport until flight service is confirmed; check the status of routes and the airport before departure. Maintain a low public profile and dress conservatively.