Taliban say dozens of criminals arrested in sweeps across Kabul

Operations have drawn criticism amid reports of abuse suffered by civilians

Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban, tells of the raids on criminals, on February 27. AP

Taliban forces have arrested dozens of criminals, kidnappers and smugglers in operations across Kabul, a spokesman said on Sunday.

The clearance operations began in the capital and neighbouring provinces two days ago, and will continue, Zabiullah Mujahid said. The aim was to collect weapons and arrest suspects, he said.

“The operation was successful,” Mr Mujahid said.

Taliban soldiers stand guard as women carry placards during a rally in Kabul, Afghanistan. All photos: EPA

Afghan women activists demand food, jobs and education for girls during a protest in Kabul.

Afghan women demonstrate during a rally in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The Taliban have banned women from work and girls from secondary schools. EPA

Women carry placards during a rally in Kabul.

Afghan women have intensified their anti-Taliban protests despite the group's harsh crackdown on demonstrations.

In the last three months of their rule, the Taliban have suppressed several women's protests in Kabul and other Afghan provinces.

The Taliban have used violence against protesters, including using pepper spray.

Hundreds of light and heavy weapons were confiscated, including rocket launchers and grenades, he said.

More than 60,000 rounds of ammunition were uncovered, as well as 13 armoured vehicles and 13 tonnes of gunpowder and explosives.

Mr Mujahid also welcomed a recent US decision to ease restrictions on Afghan banks.

The general licence issued by the US Treasury will allow money transfers for Afghan businessmen and others, but exclude Taliban members.

Mr Mujahid said he hoped the US would continue to ease restrictions.

Billions of dollars of Afghan assets are frozen in US banks, severely hampering state institutions in the once aid-dependent country.

The Taliban said nine kidnappers, six ISIS members and 53 thieves were arrested. Two abducted people were released.

The operations, in which Taliban went door to door, have attracted criticism amid reports of abuse suffered by civilians, including minority groups and women, at the hands of Taliban forces.

“The intimidations, house searches, arrests and violence against members of different ethnic groups and women are crimes and must stop immediately,” tweeted Andreas von Brandt, EU ambassador to Afghanistan.

Mr von Brandt has not returned to the country since the Taliban takeover in August.

Responding to criticism, Mr Mujahid said the operation was “well organised” and included female security personnel.

“All these efforts are for the benefit of the people," he said. "It was necessary for the people and the government to launch such an operation."