Two reportedly killed as women take part in rare protest in Afghanistan

Two women were reportedly killed during a rare protest in Herat, Afghanistan, this week, with police alleged to have opened fire to disperse the demonstration. The protest, which involved women demanding basic rights, was reportedly met with violence from security forces. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with reports of gunfire and tear gas being used against the demonstrators. The Taliban government has not yet officially commented on the incident. This event marks one of the most significant public displays of dissent in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding women's rights and freedoms under the current regime. The protest in Herat, a major cultural and economic hub in western Afghanistan, underscores the persistent challenges faced by women seeking to assert their rights in the country.