Afghan Taliban forces open fire at protest sparked by dress code arrests

Taliban forces opened fire on people gathered for a rare protest in Afghanistan's western Herat province Tuesday, killing at least one woman and a child, according to CBS News' partner network BBC. Men and women had gathered to demonstrate against the recent arrest of women and girls over alleged violations of the Taliban's strict dress code, defying the country's rulers who have cracked down violently on previous protests since retaking control of the country almost five years ago. A doctor at a local hospital, who spoke with CBS News on condition of anonymity over fear of Taliban reprisals, said at least three people were admitted for treatment with gunshot wounds. Videos circulating on social media appear to show Taliban forces opening fire on protesters and beating them with sticks. Protesters can be seen fighting back by throwing stones and chanting demands for work, education and freedom. In one clip, Taliban security personnel appear to be shooting directly at protesters. Local media outlets quoting unnamed sources and residents said a child was killed during the clash. One video circulated by local outlets shows a young boy with a leg injury, apparently unresponsive, receiving assistance. CBS News' British partner network BBC, citing unnamed medical sources in Herat, said two people were killed by the security forces — a woman and a child — and more than a dozen others were injured. …