Date: 21/04/1403 Local sources in Herat report that Taliban fighters have once again taken down and torn the flags of Ashura mourners in the province. Sources told 8am newspaper on Thursday, July 11, 2024, that the Taliban removed and damaged the flags in the twelfth and thirteenth districts of Herat city last night.

According to the sources, Taliban fighters carried out this act in the Jebrail neighborhood, which is predominantly Hazara. The sources emphasize that the Taliban executed such actions during the night.

The Taliban has not commented on this incident in Herat. This comes after reports three days ago of Taliban fighters tearing down Ashura flags in the same city. The Taliban has disrupted Ashura ceremonies in Herat, Kabul, Ghazni, and several other provinces, despite assurances from their officials regarding the safe observance of Ashura events across the country.

The repeated removal of Ashura flags by Taliban forces in Herat—particularly in Hazara-populated neighborhoods—reflects ongoing sectarian targeting and suppression of Shia religious expression. Despite public assurances of tolerance, these actions undermine the freedom of religion and belief, and reinforce a pattern of intimidation and marginalization of religious minorities, notably the Hazara Shia community