TEHRAN — Iranian authorities have arrested 172 Afghan migrants in Zabul, Sistan and Baluchestan province, over the past week as part of a security operation targeting undocumented foreign nationals, a senior Iranian police official said.
According to Iranian media reports, Ali Akbar Habibi-Far, the police commander in Zabul, stated that the detentions were carried out under Iran’s “Social Security Enhancement Plan”, aimed at what officials describe as disruptors of public order and security.
Authorities in Zabul also reported the arrests of 15 suspected thieves, 116 drug addicts, and seven alleged drug dealers during the same operation but did not disclose the nationalities of those detained.
Iran has intensified its crackdown on Afghan migrants, ramping up arrests, deportations and forced expulsions in recent months. Afghan refugees in Iran have reported mistreatment, verbal abuse, beatings, and even torture by Iranian law enforcement.
In addition to detentions, Iran has imposed new restrictions on Afghan migrants, banning them from employment, housing rentals, and certain financial transactions.
Human rights activists and refugee advocates have condemned Iran’s treatment of Afghan migrants, calling it a violation of international refugee protections. Some have urged the global community to take immediate action in response to what they describe as inhumane policies.
