Taliban bans soldiers with weapons in Afghanistan amusement parks
Kabul, Feb 2 (EFE).- The Taliban Wednesday ordered their soldiers not to enter amusement parks in fatigues and with weapons months after viral social media videos showed some of them with assault rifles enjoying rickety rides at a park on the outskirts of the Afghan capital.
“The Islamic Emirate mujahideen (Taliban soldiers) are not allowed to enter amusement parks with weapons, wearing military unfirorms, and vehicles,” government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.
“They are obliged to abide by all the rules and regulations of amusement parks.”
The viral videos, which emerged in September last year, showed the Taliban men rifles strapped to their chests shouting and cackling and flashing their guns.
The clips sparked harsh criticism of the Taliban soldiers in a playful mood, barely weeks after the Islamist militia had seized power in Kabul.
The park management alleged that Taliban soldiers violated rules and regulations governing the entertainment places where families and children visit to take joy rides.
A worker of Habibullah Zazai park told EFE that rides at amusements parks are for separate age groups.
“But some people carrying weapons used the rides without considering the rules,” the worker said.
Amusement parks offer respite to the Afghans battling decades of war to Afghan families.
Weapons at such places are banned.
“We are coming here to entertain our children and spend time happily and relax our minds,” park visitor Murtaza Hussaini said. EFE
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