Taliban Detains Over 300 Afghans Attempting to Cross into Iran Illegally

The Taliban administration in western Afghanistan has reported the arrest of 315 individuals attempting to cross into Iran illegally over the past week. According to officials, the detainees were taken into custody by the Taliban’s 207 Al-Farooq Corps, which oversees military operations in the western region of the country.

In a statement, the Taliban said the arrests aimed to “secure the borders” and prevent the illegal movement of Afghan citizens. The announcement described the crossings as “illegal,” without addressing the underlying causes driving widespread migration.

The arrests come amid escalating economic hardship, widespread unemployment, and increasing social restrictions in Afghanistan, which have left many citizens with little choice but to flee the country via dangerous and informal routes. Iran remains one of the primary destinations for Afghan migrants, although the journey is fraught with risks.

Observers argue that the Taliban’s approach of apprehending and repatriating migrants not only fails to resolve the crisis but also places returnees in even more vulnerable and precarious circumstances. The situation raises critical questions about what measures—beyond tightening border controls—the Taliban administration is taking to improve the economic conditions and provide basic necessities for the population.