Under the title "We Will Take Revenge: Messages Expose Taliban Threats to Afghans and Their Families," the Al Arabiya website reported that, despite previous reassurances from the Taliban when they took control of the capital Kabul, claiming they would not pursue Afghan citizens who worked for foreign institutions, the realities on the ground are beginning to reveal the truth.
On Friday, the Taliban summoned Afghan translators who worked for the Netherlands to appear before the court. The militant group did not stop there; they threatened to retaliate against the relatives of those who failed to attend, according to the Dutch official channel "NOS." A message from the Taliban, showcased by the channel, revealed a clear and explicit threat.
In the message, it was stated that the translators resorted to hiding, but their family members would bear the responsibility if they did not appear in court "to inflict severe punishment upon them so that other traitors learn a lesson." The individual who received this message, according to the channel, worked at the European police agency "Europol" in Afghanistan and is accused of receiving "forbidden and disgraceful money" from foreigners.
Another message received by a translator accused of being responsible for the deaths of some Taliban members stated, "We will take revenge, and if we can't catch you, we will settle accounts with your relatives."
Additionally, "NOS" reported that all indicators suggest that the messages bearing official seals were sent by the Taliban. The channel mentioned it contacted about 10 translators or individuals who had previously worked with the Dutch, where everyone expressed that their situation was becoming increasingly difficult.
It is noteworthy that in June, the Taliban urged translators who worked with foreign forces to repent but asked them to remain in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of foreign troops, assuring them that they would not be harmed. After taking power, they also announced a general amnesty for Afghan government officials and military leaders. However, despite their pledge not to take revenge, a secret United Nations report had previously revealed the Taliban's pursuit of individuals who had worked with foreign forces.
