Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleArpan RaiFriday 21 August 2026 11:08 BSTRelated: British coupled detained in Afghanistan by Taliban reunited with daughterTwo 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.In fullTaliban free two UN staff members detained in AfghanistanMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in