To defend educational facilities, the Taliban has formed a new 170-member police squad

On Saturday, the Taliban announced the formation of a new 170-member police force dedicated to the security and protection of educational institutions.

According to Khaama Press, the personnel of the unit are members of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Special Forces who were trained in the 313 Central Corps for 30 days.

The creation of a special unit to protect educational institutions, according to Deputy Minister of Higher Education Lutfullah Khairkhaw, is a requirement.

Meanwhile, officials from the military ministry told new grads that protecting educational institutions is just as vital as protecting their base.

According to the Taliban, the new unit was formed after multiple complaints were received regarding Taliban affiliates now guarding these institutions, according to Khaama Press.

It comes when public universities and girls’ high schools are still closed.

Following the siege, the Taliban proposed that coeducation be prohibited. Girls will no longer be able to sit in the same classrooms as guys in universities, according to officials from the group, according to Khaama Press.