The United Nations said Monday that Taliban forces have barred Afghan women from entering UN offices in Kabul and several provinces, a move the organisation called a serious obstacle to its work in the country.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told Afghanistan International that “temporary adjustments” had been made to UN operations to maintain safety and continue delivering services to the people of Afghanistan. It said discussions with Taliban officials are under way to resolve the restrictions.

Afghanistan International reported earlier that Taliban security personnel prevented female UN staff from entering the mission’s Kabul office on Sunday.

According to a source, Taliban officials told female employees they were acting on orders from Hibatullah Akhundzada, the group’s supreme leader, who has prohibited women from working outside the home.

Following the move, UNAMA placed its female staff on leave until further notice, the source said.