Two former Afghan military personnel drowned in the Salt River at Sheep’s Crossing in Arizona, U.S. media reported.
Abdul Mosawar Khaliqi, 25, and Mohammad Sulaiman Nasri, 27, cousins who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, died in the river on September 18, according to local reports.
Sulaiman had served as a police officer in Kabul, working alongside U.S. forces, while Khaliqi was a university student in Afghanistan before fleeing to the U.S. with his family during the Operation Allies Welcome evacuations in 2021.
“They came to America to escape the Taliban, and then this tragedy happened,” Julianna Larsen, founder of the Arizona Refugee Center, told Fox10 Phoenix. “They were both strong swimmers, enjoying an afternoon off from work at the Salt River, which many Afghans visit because it reminds them of home.”
Larsen described the Afghan community’s response to the tragedy, saying many have come together to support the grieving family.
“I just want people to remember that we have beautiful people here, trying to build their lives and become good U.S. citizens, while they still have families back in Afghanistan,” she said. “I hope the community will rally around these families.”
The bodies of the two cousins have been recovered, and members of the Afghan community in Arizona are offering condolences and support to their loved ones.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, many Afghans have sought refuge in the U.S. and other Western countries, fearing for their safety under the new regime.
