Ashura in Kabul; Taliban Cut Telecommunications Networks

The Ashura ceremony was held on Friday, August 6, under a series of strict security measures, including the cutting of telecommunications networks in Kabul. According to the Dari section of Voice of America, Taliban security forces in western Kabul, where most residents are Shia, implemented more security measures than on other days and closed some roads to vehicles. The Taliban's Ministry of Communications also suspended telecommunications services, causing significant problems for Kabul citizens. Although Taliban officials have not yet explained the telecommunications cut, it is said that this action was taken to ensure the security of the Ashura ceremony. Reports indicate that despite Taliban security forces opposing the holding of Ashura ceremonies outside mosques and husseiniyahs, many mourners, including women, took to the streets. However, Taliban security forces fired warning shots to disperse them. This year, the Taliban government has imposed a series of restrictions on mourning ceremonies during Muharram in Kabul, including prohibiting mourning gatherings outside mosques and husseiniyahs. Videos circulated on social media on Wednesday show Taliban security forces stopping mourning ceremonies outside mosques and husseiniyahs and using force to disperse mourners. Although the Taliban government claims these actions are to protect the lives of mourners, they have been criticized by some Shia religious leaders. Mohsen Hajjat, a Shia religious leader, stated on Wednesday during a mourning ceremony that Shia mourners should obey the Taliban as long as it does not contradict their religion. He said, 'Just as we respect the culture and religion of others, we want others to respect our religion.' Previously, several Shia scholars at a large gathering on Saturday, July 31, in Kabul called on the Taliban government to lift the restrictions imposed on Muharram ceremonies in mosques and husseiniyahs and allow Ashura ceremonies to be held in all mosques and husseiniyahs. Seyyed Hossein Alami Balkhi, the former Minister of Refugees and a Shia scholar, stated at a press conference in Kabul, 'All Shia scholars urge the Islamic Emirate [Taliban government] to lift the restrictions on mourning ceremonies and not to prevent the installation of mourning flags in the name of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).' However, in a statement released by the Taliban government in Kabul province, it was mentioned that after consulting with Shia scholars, they banned Muharram ceremonies in mosques that faced security threats. The statement also quoted Shia scholars as supporting this decision to protect people's lives. In previous years before the Taliban government in Afghanistan, mourning gates were erected in most parts of Kabul to commemorate Muharram, and flags were installed throughout the city. However, this year, these ceremonies have been largely limited to Shia neighborhoods. A former ISIS official who has now joined the Taliban warned Taliban security forces on Twitter before the start of Muharram that ISIS intended to target Shia mourners during this time. However, no security incidents have been reported in Kabul and other cities where Muharram ceremonies are held. In previous years, attacks on Ashura mourning ceremonies were claimed by ISIS's Khorasan branch.