KABUL, Afghanistan — After hours of silence, the Taliban have responded to reports that dozens of Afghan migrants were killed by Iranian border guards, stating that investigations are ongoing and a decision will be made once the situation is clarified.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Wednesday that they are aware of “vague reports” in the media regarding the deaths and injuries of Afghan nationals at the border with Iran. He added that various Taliban authorities, along with their diplomatic representatives, are looking into the incident.
Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, also denied the reports, asserting that “direct follow-ups with credible sources” had indicated no basis for the allegations. He underscored that countries have the right to enforce “legal measures” against unauthorized border crossings.
The initial reports came from Haalvsh, an Iranian human rights organization, which published video footage allegedly showing Iranian border guards firing on Afghan migrants attempting to enter Iran illegally. Haalvsh, which focuses on issues in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, claimed that dozens of Afghan migrants had been killed in the incident.
The reports have sparked strong reactions both within Afghanistan and internationally, as concerns grow over border security and the treatment of migrants.
