Around 200 members of Afghan special forces, who were trained and supported by the UK, are at risk of being sent back to their Taliban-controlled homeland, according to information gathered by Afghan veterans and reported by the BBC.
This situation has been described by a former UK general as a “betrayal” and a “disgrace.”
These soldiers sought refuge in Pakistan, but now face deportation as the Pakistani authorities plan to expel Afghan refugees.
Despite promises made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021 to secure “safe passage” for these Afghan special forces, the relocation efforts seem to have fallen short.
Gen Sir Richard Barrons, who served in the British Army in Afghanistan, criticized the UK’s failure to protect these soldiers, stating that it reflects either duplicity or incompetence, neither of which is acceptable.
He emphasized that this abandonment could result in dire consequences for those who served alongside British forces.
The concerns for these Afghan commandos coincide with revelations that the UK government rejected appeals to offer asylum to key Afghan civilian leaders facing threats to their lives.
A private letter sent in March 2022 to the Foreign Office urged urgent assistance for a group of 32 former governors, prosecutors, and officials who collaborated with the UK and US in Helmand Province between 2006 and 2014.
The rejection of many officials’ applications, similar to that of the special forces soldiers, has raised criticism. Some individuals are still awaiting decisions more than a year after applying.
Gen Sir Richard Barrons, one of the letter’s signatories, expressed disappointment in the lack of efficiency and compassion in honoring the commitment made to these individuals.
One of the Afghan special forces soldiers, identified as “Ali,” spoke of feeling abandoned and betrayed by the UK.
He highlighted the close bond formed during training and operations with British soldiers, emphasizing their shared commitment and sacrifice.
Ali, a member of the elite Commando Force 333, recounted their significant contributions to counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan.
Despite their dedication, when the Afghan state collapsed in 2021, Ali was unable to board an evacuation flight, ending up in Pakistan where he now lives in fear of deportation.
The estimated figures of around 200 commandos facing deportation have been compiled through a network of former Afghan security forces members.
These figures, while not definitive, are considered the best estimates available, according to senior British diplomatic sources.
The challenges extend beyond special forces to Afghan civilians who aided the UK. Mohammad Fahim, a former district governor, shared his experiences of collaboration with British forces and the dangers he now faces from the Taliban.
Despite his contributions, Fahim’s application for help through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP) was rejected, leaving him in hiding with an expired visa.
The rejection of both special forces and civilian applications has sparked criticism, with Gen Sir Richard Barrons expressing personal shame over the perceived failure to fulfill obligations to these individuals.
The Ministry of Defence defended its actions, stating that each ARAP application is assessed individually based on published policy.
Despite the challenges and betrayals, individuals like Ali and Mr. Fahim express pride in their work with UK forces, highlighting the shared experiences and sacrifices made in pursuit of common goals.
However, the prevailing sentiment is one of disappointment and a sense of abandonment by those who once promised support and safety.
