Dozens of Afghan migrants die crossing into Iran amid freezing conditions

Dozens of Afghan migrants have lost their lives in recent days while trying to enter Iran through unofficial border paths in western Afghanistan during harsh winter weather conditions, as reported by local media in both countries. Reports from sources in western Afghanistan, as highlighted by the ‘Iran International’ news network, indicate that around 40 Afghan migrants have perished in Iran after crossing the border illegally amidst severe cold weather. The bodies of at least 15 migrants were transported to Kohsan and Adraskan districts after their deaths in Iranian territory. Afghanistan International, a related channel to Iran International, interviewed an Afghan migrant who visited morgues at Afghan cemeteries and Taybad hospital in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province, revealing that over 40 Afghan migrants have died. In another account, the Taliban governor’s spokesperson in Herat, as mentioned by Afghanistan’s Khaama Press Agency, confirmed the deaths of three Afghan citizens near the Kahsan border area while attempting an illegal entry into Iran. Local sources reported a higher death toll, with at least 15 bodies moved to Kahsan and Adraskan districts due to extreme cold exposure along the border, with some migrants still missing. Witnesses observed a surge of Afghans heading towards the Iran border through smuggling routes near Islam Qala and Taybad, given the limited legal migration options. The treacherous journey has been exacerbated by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and rugged terrain, making it perilous. Families of the victims are scouring morgues and border regions in search of their missing loved ones. Additionally, Amu TV reported that Iranian authorities apprehended 437 undocumented Afghan migrants in Zahedan over the past week as part of a security operation. The Iranian police in Zahedan, led by Hamid Nouri, disclosed that they had detained 437 undocumented foreign nationals, referring to them as “unauthorized foreign nationals.” The operations also resulted in the capture of 135 suspected thieves, 472 drug users, and 54 alleged low-level drug dealers.