Special forces for the Taliban abruptly ended a rally for women’s rights in the Afghan capital on Saturday, The Associated Press reported, sparking increased anxiety by the insurgent group’s government in the country.
The women marched peacefully to the Ministry of Defense in Kabul, where they placed a wreath to commemorate Afghan soldiers who died in combat while fighting Taliban members, the news service noted.
Taliban members reportedly began targeting protesters as protesters, who were heading to the presidential palace, began to become stronger. When the women explained that they were protesting for their rights, one of the Taliban members told them that the insurgent group would give them their rights, according to the AP.
However, the situation soon became chaotic as protesters began fleeing as they arrived at the palace as the Taliban began firing into the air and running towards the protesters, abruptly ending the protest.
The Taliban also fired tear gas, a witness told the PA.
Afghanistan changed rapidly last month when the insurgent group took control of provinces and major cities, culminating in the capture of Kabul in mid-August when the Taliban entered the presidential palace after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
The Taliban have said they will recognize women’s rights under the Islamic framework and will not go after old enemies. However, recent events, including the abrupt end of the women’s march, may indicate otherwise.
Afghan women who spoke to The Hill last month expressed fear and apprehension about what the Taliban government will look like in the country. They warned that the international community should not rely on previous Taliban statements.
“I want to see if women are able to sing on stage without a scarf. I want to know if a man or a woman can be next to each other and sing on TV. I want to see women playing in the football stadium. That is the level of freedom I want in this country if I want to live under its flag, ”an Afghan woman told The Hill.