Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Two Afghan employees of the United Nations were freed Thursday after spending more than a week in Taliban custody, with the reason for their detention still unclear.
The personnel worked for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, the UN’s political mission in the country.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said both workers appeared to be in good health following their release.
The UN was informed that the cases against the two employees had been dropped. Authorities, however, had not provided the organization with an explanation for why they were taken into custody.
UN officials continued to engage with Taliban authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention.
The organization also sought assurances that protections, privileges and immunities covering UN personnel operating in Afghanistan would be respected.
UNAMA has operated in Afghanistan since 2002 and carries out political engagement and other activities intended to support the Afghan people under its mandate.
The development came as the UN continued efforts to secure the freedom of 73 personnel detained by the Houthis in Yemen, highlighting continuing concerns over the safety of its employees working in conflict-affected countries.