- Two United Nations staff members detained by the Taliban in the western Afghan city of Herat on 9 August have been released after more than a week in custody.
- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed the workers were freed on Thursday morning in good health, with all charges and legal issues against them seemingly dropped.
- Taliban authorities have not publicly commented on the release nor formally notified the UN regarding the rationale behind the initial arrest and detention of its personnel.
- Human Rights Watch continues to highlight the plight of six members of a local women's and children's rights organisation who have been held in custody without explanation since mid-July.
- The incident reflects an escalating crackdown by the hardline regime against international organisation personnel, journalists, minorities, and women across Afghanistan.
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