KABUL, Afghanistan — Reports that Iranian border guards shot and killed at least 260 Afghan migrants attempting to cross into Iran have ignited widespread condemnation. The incident, first reported by the Iran-based human rights organization Haalvsh, has been described as a “massacre” by Afghan politicians and rights activists.
Kamal Nasser Osuli, a former Afghan parliamentarian, attributed the wave of migration to the Taliban’s “brutal rule” and the severe economic challenges facing Afghans. “The oppressive Taliban regime and economic despair have forced people to flee the country,” he said.
Hanef Atmar, Afghanistan’s former foreign minister, called the incident “heartbreaking and shocking” and urged Iranian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice.
Addressing the Taliban in a post on X, he wrote, “Once again, we remind the current rulers to respect the people’s will, stop depriving them of their rights, and uphold freedoms to prevent our fellow citizens from being forced to leave their homes.”
Mohsin Dawar, a senior member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, condemned the incident as a “crime against humanity,” calling the treatment of Afghan migrants “sheer cruelty.”
Dawar posted on X, stating, “It is deeply distressing to witness such brutality against vulnerable Afghans fleeing persecution.”
Fawzia Koofi, a former member of Afghanistan’s parliament, expressed concern over the dangers Afghans face both at home and abroad. “Afghans are caught between difficult choices. We hope that our neighbors will not add to our suffering,” she said.
Human rights activist Alem Baayat also condemned the incident as a “crime” and emphasized that the United Nations Refugee Agency has a responsibility to protect migrant rights. “What happened to our compatriots at the Iranian border is a grave violation,” she posted on X. “Iran is violating all conventions related to refugee rights with these actions.”
The Iran-based group Haalvsh reported that the incident took place Sunday evening near the border region of Saravan, close to Kulgon, and that Iranian forces ambushed Afghan migrants as they attempted to enter Iran. According to Haalvsh, survivors reported that nearly 300 people were killed or injured in the shooting.
As of now, the Iranian authorities have not commented on the incident, and Amu News has not been able to independently verify the death toll provided by Haalvsh.
