Fawzia Koofi Condemns Taliban Raid on Badakhshan Home and Arrests of Relatives

Former Afghan parliamentarian and women’s rights activist Fawzia Koofi has condemned a recent security operation at her residence in Badakhshan province, describing the detention of her relatives and local residents as a “cowardly act.” Koofi stated that the raid, which took place in late April, underscores what she characterized as the ruling authorities’ instability and weakness in the face of ongoing opposition.

According to Koofi, security forces detained several of her family members alongside unrelated residents of the area. Relatives of those taken into custody reported that they have received no information regarding the detainees’ whereabouts or current conditions. Koofi noted that at least two of the individuals held have pre-existing medical conditions, raising concerns about their health while in detention.

The operation follows reports that Koofi’s personal property in the province was taken over by authorities approximately three months prior to the recent arrests. Despite the detentions, Taliban officials have not issued a public statement or provided an official explanation for the security action.

Koofi, who has been living abroad since the Taliban’s return to power, reaffirmed her commitment to continuing her advocacy and political opposition. She called for a unified resistance against the current administration’s policies. The recent arrests occur amid broader diplomatic and political developments, including a recent public invitation from Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar urging Koofi to return to Afghanistan. Authorities have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the status of the detainees or the legal basis for the operation.