Five Afghan Youths Die Attempting Illegal Migration to Iran Amid Deadly Conditions
Officials from the Taliban’s security command in Nimroz province announced that the bodies of five Afghan youths, who intended to cross illegally into Iran, were found in the deserts of Farah province. According to these officials, the individuals died due to extreme heat and lack of water while traversing the difficult routes between Farah and Helmand provinces.
Gul Muhammad Qodrat, spokesperson for the Nimroz security command, stated on Sunday, July 19, that 19 youths attempted to reach Iran through unofficial paths. He added that in addition to the five confirmed dead, four others from this group remain missing, and their whereabouts are still unknown.
Farah and Helmand provinces are among the main and perilous routes used for human trafficking toward the Iranian border — areas where the scorching summer heat and lack of basic facilities significantly increase the risk of death for migrants.
In recent years, economic crisis, widespread unemployment, and increasing social restrictions under Taliban rule have forced many young Afghans to choose dangerous and illegal migration routes. Meanwhile, the number of Afghan migrants returning from or being expelled by Iran has also risen, but the continued lack of livelihood opportunities inside the country pushes many to take these risks.
Experts emphasize that unless secure and stable employment and living conditions are established within Afghanistan, the recurrence of such tragic incidents along migration routes is likely to continue.
