Taliban reign results in human rights abuses, al-Qaida terror group growth

Since America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, Taliban rule has led to killings, violence, human rights abuses, and the growth of terrorist group al-Qaida. It’s been almost one year since the United States pulled out of Afghanistan. With a lack of America’s presence, the war-torn region’s human rights have been under attack as terrorist groups are gaining momentum.

The timeline began the day the Biden administration withdrew armed forces from Afghanistan. The Taliban took over control and ever since, turmoil has reigned over the region with innocent lives lost to the violence. The United Nations released a report detailing the human rights abuses it has been able to document.

“Between mid-August 2021 and mid-June 2022, the U.N. Mission recorded 2,106 civilian casualties, 700 killed and 1,406 wounded,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the Secretary-General of United Nations, said. “The report notes that the majority of civilian casualties were attributed to targeted attacks by the armed group self-identified as ‘Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province‘ against ethnic and religious minority communities in places where they go to school, worship and go about their daily lives.”

In its report, the U.N. also highlighted the poor situation of women and girls since the Taliban takeover, and how there have been many human rights abuses under Afghanistan’s current rulers. After its takeover, the Taliban quickly started enforcing a sharply tougher line, issuing harsh edicts against women.

“According to the report, while the de facto authorities have taken some steps seemingly aimed at the protection and promotion of human rights – such as the amnesty for former government officials and security force members, the Dec. 3 decree on women’s rights and a code of conduct relating to prisoners – they also bear responsibility for a broad range of human rights violations,” Haq said. “The U.N. Mission points out that the erosion of women’s rights has been one of the most notable aspects of the de facto administration to date.”

Ayman Al Zawahiri is the head of al-Qaida and has been confirmed to be alive. He worked beside Osama bin Laden during the 9/11 terrorist attack and is protected by the Taliban. Taliban rule has allowed for the reemergence of al-Qaida, now positioned to be the preeminent terror group in the world.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.