The Taliban will no longer be allowed to bring their weapons to playgrounds and amusement parks in Afghanistan, the Islamist spokesman said today, in another attempt by the group to show a softer face.
Taliban fighters, many of whom have spent most of their lives fighting the US-backed government in Afghanistan, rushed to amusement parks in several cities after seizing power in August.
"The Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter theme parks with weapons, wearing military uniforms or military vehicles," Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter. "They are obliged to comply with all the rules and regulations of the theme parks," he added.
The Taliban have a reputation for being tough fighters, but since regaining power in Afghanistan in August, they have been trying to show a more moderate face.
An amusement park in Kabul, as well as a water park in the western district of the Afghan capital, are among the two theme parks preferred by the Taliban.
Fighters holding automatic weapons lined up to board carousels or pirate ships, with other people staring at them in horror.
Most of the fighters interviewed by Reuters had not returned to Kabul until the city was captured in August, and some expressed a desire to visit the theme park before returning to their duties in other parts of Afghanistan.
Source: RES-EAP