RASC News Agency: The Islamic Republic of Iran, escalating the exodus of Afghanistani refugees, has stirred profound concerns among some former military personnel who sought refuge in Iran due to apprehension of reprisal from the Taliban, regarding the country’s decision to expel them. Several former military personnel in Iran, today, Thursday, April 18th, in an interview with an international radio station, highlighted that numerous former Afghanistan army personnel residing in Iran confront economic hardships and the looming threat of deportation.
Sources within these ranks, preferring anonymity, disclosed that as a security soldier, he, fearing retribution from the Taliban, sought refuge in Iran with his family following the group’s seizure of power. This former soldier underscored the challenging and harsh economic conditions he faces in Iran. The source further elaborated that due to the apprehension of expulsion from the country, life has become exceedingly arduous. Presently, I relocate residences once or twice a day due to the unbearable circumstances.
It is reported that following the withdrawal of the United States-led international forces from Afghanistan after two decades, the security and defense apparatus of the country collapsed. Many former personnel found themselves unemployed, with some seeking refuge in various countries, predominantly Iran and Pakistan, owing to economic hardships and security risks. The exact number of former security force members currently residing in these two countries remains uncertain.
Before the complete withdrawal from Afghanistan, America expelled nearly 120,000 individuals, including members of the Afghanistan army, leaving others, including Afghanistan army members, in the country. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old individual, who chose not to disclose his identity, revealed that he served as a soldier in Farah province and resorted to labor smuggling into Iran multiple times during the Taliban’s ascent. However, after a few months, he was deported by Iranian authorities.
He recounted that his father, also a member of the police force in Farah, perished in the conflict against the Taliban in Bakwa district approximately ten years ago. Since then, the daunting responsibility of providing for his ten-member family has fallen upon him. Currently, he intends to return to Iran as there are scant employment opportunities under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. He expressed, “Our lives thrived under the previous administration. I earned nearly 20,000 to 23,000 kabuli rupees. Our family prospered. However, the situation has deteriorated now. I visited Iran several times, but employment opportunities are scarce here. I plan to return to Iran and work. I’ve made three trips already and aim for a fourth, accompanied by my mother.”
Numerous former employees and military personnel sought refuge in Iran due to apprehensions of retaliation, poverty, and unemployment. Upon their return to power, the Taliban declared a general amnesty, pledging not to seek revenge against anyone.
Nevertheless, the group continues to clandestinely execute former military personnel who remain in the country, as instances of former soldiers being killed by members of the Taliban with knives have been reported in Logar, Herat, and Panjshir provinces.
