Taliban Opens Fire At Protesters Demanding Afghan Flag Atop Offices: What We Know

People in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city took to the streets on Wednesday demanding the reinstallation of Afghanistan's flag on offices instead of the Taliban's flag. However, the Taliban fighters opened fire at the protesters, according to local news agency Pajhwok Afghan News.

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Fighters beat journalists covering protest

The Taliban fighters also beat up some journalists who were covering the protest. In videos shared on social media, hundreds of people could be seen taking out a march carrying Afghanistan's flag.

#Taliban firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists. #Afghanidtan pic.twitter.com/AbM2JHg9I2

¡ª Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) August 18, 2021

Gunshots could be heard in the background as the protesters dispersed from the area. It could not be confirmed if anyone was injured during the incident.

Breaking:

Protestors in Jalalabad city want the national flag back on offices & rejects Taliban terrorists¡¯ flag. Taliban openly fires at protestors. Reports of casualties. pic.twitter.com/EFoy4oh3uT

¡ª Najeeb Nangyal (@NajeebNangyal) August 18, 2021

First sign of rebellion against the Taliban

Earlier in the day, a group of Afghan women was seen taking out the first public protest in Afghanistan demanding their rights. In videos shared on social media, the women could be heard demanding their rights, including social security, right to work, right to education and right to political participation.

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These protests mark the first sign of rebellion against the Taliban ever since the militant group took control of Afghanistan on August 15. Many Afghans have fled the country and thousands are still waiting to board a flight at the Kabul airport.