A group of 19 individuals, including an American citizen, has been captured and taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Taliban conducted a raid on the offices of a Swiss nonprofit organization, the International Assistance Mission (IAM), accusing it of “promoting Christianity.”
The IAM has confirmed that the American worker and 18 others were detained by the Taliban during these raids, which occurred in Ghor, approximately 400 miles outside of Kabul.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan two years ago, they have viewed NGOs as a significant threat. Following President Joe Biden’s controversial withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban implemented strict measures in the country.
These measures include a ban on Afghan women’s education beyond the sixth grade and restrictions on their participation in public life and employment, including working for NGOs.
During the initial raid, three individuals, including the American citizen, were taken by the Taliban. The remaining 15 were captured in a separate raid ten days later. Presently, they are being held in an undisclosed location in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
“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 IAM said in a statement.
“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.”
Taliban authorities stated that the individuals were detained on accusations of “propagating and promoting Christianity.” The U.S. State Department has acknowledged that it was aware of the capture of a U.S. citizen by the Taliban.
This incident serves to underscore the State Department’s advisory cautioning U.S. citizens against traveling to Afghanistan. The country is plagued by armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, rendering it extremely perilous for Western nationals, particularly Americans.
“Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe, and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high,” the State Department said.
“We have no further details to share at this time.”
