The Taliban's Interior Ministry announced new restrictions on the transportation and storage of weapons on Wednesday, emphasising efforts to control arms possession more strictly within Afghanistan.

According to a decree from the Taliban’s leader, both government employees and citizens are prohibited from carrying or storing weapons without an official permit.

The ministry clarified that such permits are now exclusively issued by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation within the Ministry of Interior, rendering permits from any other institution invalid.

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, the group has actively pursued the disarmament of the public, often employing coercive measures to collect weapons from civilians. Reports indicate that, in some instances, individuals have been compelled to surrender arms under the threat of force.

The ministry stated that these new regulations are intended to strengthen oversight of weaponry and reduce public disturbances.

Following the withdrawal of United States forces from Afghanistan, a significant amount of U.S. military equipment remained in the country, much of which has reportedly been acquired by Taliban forces.