KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban on Thursday confirmed that Afghan migrants were killed and wounded in an incident involving “gunfire and explosions” along the Kalagan-Saravan border with Iran on October 13, according to a report based on their investigation.
In the wake of the incident, the Taliban dispatched a delegation, led by their deputy minister of interior, to investigate.
Although the Taliban have not released exact casualty numbers, their deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated on X that two bodies and multiple injured migrants have been returned to Afghanistan.
Among the injured are 34 witnesses, some of whom are receiving treatment for their injuries. Fitrat noted that efforts to repatriate additional casualties from Iran and Pakistan are underway, though the Taliban’s investigation remains ongoing.
Accounts from survivors suggest the incident began when Iranian forces reportedly opened fire on Afghan migrants attempting to cross the border. Halvash, an Iranian human rights organization, cited reports from witnesses indicating that as many as 260 migrants may have died, though these figures have not been independently verified.
The victims’ families in Afghanistan have been left grappling with uncertainty. Marzia, a woman from Farah Province, told Amu news outlet that her father and brother, who were part of a group attempting to cross into Iran, remain missing. “We haven’t heard anything since they left,” she said, adding that the two had joined a large group of migrants seeking work opportunities across the border.
Another family from Panjshir Province reported that their son, who had left for Iran to escape poverty, was killed in the incident. His father, Mohammad Nasir, expressed his grief to Amu, saying, “My only son was shot. We call on the international community to hold those responsible accountable.”
Other families are awaiting news of loved ones who remain unaccounted for. Khalisa, whose son Jamil has been missing since he joined a group of around 300 migrants headed for Iran, shared her distress: “I don’t know if he’s dead or alive. This journey has cost us so much — people go there and disappear. Why are we suffering like this?”
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of violence at the border. One injured migrant told Amu that Iranian forces had fired on men and women alike. “They shot at everyone, even the women,” he said. “I pleaded with them not to shoot the women, but they wouldn’t listen.” Another survivor described crossing a short distance into Iranian territory when they were ambushed and fired upon, saying, “We were met with gunfire and explosions as soon as we crossed.”
In a recent development, a group of Afghan migrants returned to Pakistan from Iran. Among them were individuals injured by land mines and gunfire; two survivors reported serious leg injuries after stepping on mines. They recounted how around 300 migrants attempted to cross the border in smaller groups but were met with violence. “We were divided into smaller groups of 50,” one migrant said. “When we reached a certain point, they started shooting. I don’t know how many survived.”
On October 27, these migrants are seeking assistance to return home. One survivor described their plight, saying, “They brought us here, gave us a little food, and we’re hungry and exhausted. We just want to get back to Afghanistan.”
Some migrants allege they were handed over to Pakistani authorities, who reportedly demanded bribes for their release. One migrant stated that the police demanded 800,000 Pakistani rupees per person, adding yet another hardship to their already perilous journey.
As Afghan authorities continue their investigation, families await answers, demanding accountability and justice for the lives lost and the loved ones still missing.
