Kabul, Afghanistan – Taliban security forces have launched a large-scale door-to-door search operation of residential buildings in the Afghan capital Kabul and nearby provinces out of the fear of widespread reprisal attacks in the coming weeks.

The search operation that started on Friday has caused both widespread panic and outrage among residents in these areas as many consider it a violation of their privacy and harassment.

Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran said on Saturday that the searches were under way to ensure the security of Kabul, with the aim of catching and "eliminating robbers, kidnappers, evil elements, and other criminals."

The operation is headed by notorious Taliban military leader Mohammad Fazil Mazloom who has been accused of burning down thousands of civilian houses in the north of Kabul during the Talibans' first reign in the 90s.

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Many people accuse the Taliban of once again targeting people from specific areas and ethnic groups who are mostly residing in the north of Kabul.

Social media footage shows raided houses, Taliban soldiers digging yards with shovels, apparently trying to find hidden arms, and even some soldiers carrying rockets during the operation.

The move comes days after former Afghan vice president Amrullah Saleh, who is supporting an anti-Taliban armed resistance in the mountains of Panjshir province and Andarab district, announced in a voice message on Whatsapp that the movement had received explosives, advanced munition, laser guns, and anti-armor missiles.

Many people reported that search operations were under way in the north of Kabul, Panjshir, Kapisa, and Parwan provinces where there is already armed resistance against the Taliban.