Taliban-affiliated Individuals in Takhar Raid Merchant’s Home and Take His Son Hostage.
Local sources in Takhar report that individuals linked to Maulvi Samiullah Hezbollah, the Taliban governor of the province, raided the home of Haji Latifbai, a merchant, on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025, and forcibly took his son, Ehsanullah, hostage.
According to these sources, the raid followed a contractual dispute between the merchant and a company affiliated with influential figures in Helmand. Haji Latifbai stated that in 2022 he had signed a $2 million contract to purchase opium gum with a Helmand-based company and had received a $110,000 advance payment.
However, as the price of opium gum fell, the company sought to cancel the contract and allegedly used its influence to pressure him. He claimed that after raising objections, he was detained for two days on the governor’s orders, forced to pay money, and the ownership documents of his house were confiscated by the governor’s men.
Haji Latifbai said he has paid $98,000 so far, but the company associated with the governor’s relatives has not returned his house documents and is now demanding more money for the release of his son.
He has called on the Taliban leadership to address the matter and ensure justice.
