Taliban Threatens CNN Reporter Wearing Hijab to "Cover Your Face"... Points Rifle at Filming Crew

American CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward reporting on the local situation in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo by YouTube channel CNN screenshot.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan, Clarissa Ward, a CNN correspondent reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan, was reportedly threatened live on air by a Taliban member who told her to "cover your face." Ward has been staying on site to report directly on the local situation even after Kabul fell.

In a CNN video report on the 18th (local time), Ward conducted the broadcast wearing a black hijab and covering her entire body. During this, Ward attempted to interview a Taliban member, who threatened her by saying, "Cover your face, or I will not speak with you."

Although the Taliban officially stated that women only need to wear a hijab, in reality, they are forcing the wearing of a burqa that covers the entire face. Notably, this man was holding a whip with a heavy metal weight attached.

A Taliban member is threatening the CNN filming crew with a gun. Photo by YouTube channel CNN screenshot.

Additionally, Taliban members aimed guns at Ward and her filming crew. Fortunately, another Taliban member reminded them that they were "journalists authorized to report," allowing Ward and the crew to escape the threat.

Regarding this, Ward recounted the situation, saying, "(CNN producer Brent Swales, who is reporting on site with me) was filming on his phone when two Taliban members approached and tried to strike him with a gun."

Ward also said, "One Afghan person said he worked as an interpreter at Camp Phoenix (a U.S. military base in Afghanistan) and begged to be allowed to go to the United States," adding, "It was truly heartbreaking."

She continued, "Even as a Westerner, I was exposed to the Taliban's violence and madness, but the situation is more severe for Afghan residents," and said, "It is almost impossible to reach the airport."