Taliban Shuts Two Kabul Bank Branches In Herat Over ISIS Attack Fears

Sources have informed Afghanistan International that the Taliban shut down two Kabul Bank branches in Herat on Thursday due to fears of a potential ISIS suicide attack.

Individuals who had gathered at the bank to collect their salaries were informed that the branches had been closed due to security threats.

According to information obtained by Afghanistan International, the Taliban evacuated two Kabul Bank branches in Darwaza-e-Khosh and Gorda Park-e-Taraqi in Herat.

Although Taliban officials have not issued an official statement, sources confirmed that an emergency security alert was declared at both bank branches, and civilians were instructed to vacate the premises.

The Taliban’s fear of a suicide bombing at the banks follows a suicide attack on the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing in Kabul on Thursday morning.

Two credible sources in Kabul confirmed to Afghanistan International that Arsala Kharoti, the Taliban’s Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration, was injured in the attack.

Additionally, a suicide bombing targeted a Kabul Bank branch in Kunduz two days earlier.

On Tuesday, 11 February morning, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Kabul Bank branch in Kunduz, where Taliban military personnel and government employees had gathered to collect their salaries.

The escalation of ISIS attacks has led to increased security concerns, prompting the Taliban to take preventive measures in major cities across Afghanistan.