On Friday, the Taliban arrested 18 International Assistance Mission (IAM) employees in Ghor province, including an international staff member. They have since been moved to Kabul.
The arrests took place in two separate incidents. On September 3rd, three individuals were detained, and in recent days, the remaining 15 were apprehended, as stated by the organization, according to the statement released by IAM.
In a statement, the International Assistance Mission (IAM) expressed deep concern and sadness regarding the detention of its staff members. IAM further reported that all 18 detainees have been transferred to Kabul.
The organization has not specified the exact cause, but the Taliban’s Ghor spokesman suggested the arrests were due to the alleged promotion of Christianity.
“We are unaware of the circumstances that led to these incidents and have not been advised of the reason for the detention of our staff members. The well-being and security of our colleagues are paramount to us, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and secure their swift release,” IAM said in a release.
IAM reaffirmed its dedication to securing the release of its detained staff and expressed its resolve to maintain operations in Afghanistan.
Since 1966, the organization has invested more than $40 million in enhancing healthcare, education, and community development in Afghanistan.
IAM is vigilantly tracking evolving developments and actively striving for the safe return of its employees.
