Taliban forces in Afghanistan open fire on rare protest sparked by women's arrests over dress code
Updated on: June 9, 2026 / 1:19 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Taliban forces reportedly fired on a protest in Herat, Afghanistan, killing at least one woman and a child.
- The protest was sparked by the recent arrest of women and girls for alleged violations of the Taliban's strict dress code.
- Videos suggest Taliban forces used excessive force, including shooting and beating protesters, who retaliated with stones.
- A local doctor reported treating at least three people for gunshot wounds.
- UN officials expressed alarm over the excessive use of force and called for accountability.
- A police spokesman for Herat denied civilians were injured by police shooting, stating forces maintained public safety.
- The protest occurred in response to the detention of approximately 30 women and girls in Herat by the Taliban's morality police.
- UN representatives have accused the Taliban of stripping women and girls of basic rights, including education, employment, and freedom of movement.