Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the claim of having restored “security” has remained central to their narrative and its external amplification. This framing often contrasts with earlier periods of instability, projecting an image of nationwide control. Yet, the meaning of “security” in this context remains contested, particularly in an environment shaped by restricted information flows and limited transparency. Understanding this claim requires examining how narratives are constructed alongside the operational realities on the ground.

Recent reporting on an alleged strike on a “rehabilitation center” in Kabul has once again highlighted a persistent challenge in interpreting Afghanistan’s security landscape: the gap between immediate humanitarian narratives and the broader operational realities in which such incidents occur. Recent commentary by international human rights observers has brought renewed attention to this issue.

In any conflict setting, civilian protection must remain a central concern. Allegations of harm to civilian facilities require careful scrutiny, independent verification and, where necessary, accountability. Yet, in Afghanistan’s current environment, such incidents rarely exist in isolation. They unfold within a complex ecosystem shaped by militant networks, fragile governance structures and an increasingly........

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