The Taliban’s Ministry of Finance says it has installed 215 security cameras at customs laboratory sections in Torkham, Dand Patan, Khost, Ghulam Khan Port and Nimruz, with plans to link them to the General Customs Department in Kabul.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said the new surveillance system is aimed at improving security, preventing customs violations and reducing accidents.

Previously, security cameras had only been installed at the Islam Qala and Torghundi customs posts.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior has separately announced the installation of thousands of cameras across Kabul “to strengthen security and prevent crime.” Reports suggest the group now monitors life in the capital using 90,000 CCTV cameras.

Amnesty International has warned that such surveillance, carried out under the pretext of security, undermines freedoms and violates citizens’ privacy, particularly that of women.

Media reports have also indicated that Chinese technology company Huawei is assisting the Taliban in installing the systems.