Several Afghanistan Citizens Die from Cold at Iran Border
Several Afghanistan citizens have died from cold exposure while attempting to cross the Iran border illegally, as freezing winter weather grips western Afghanistan provinces.
Several Afghan migrants have died while attempting to cross into Iran through unofficial border routes in western Afghanistan, amid freezing winter conditions, local Taliban officials said on Friday.
The Taliban governor’s spokesperson in Herat confirmed on Friday, December 19 that three Afghan citizens died near the Kahsan border area while trying to enter Iran illegally. He said investigations are ongoing and local authorities, along with rescue teams, have been mobilized to assist affected families.
Local residents and community sources reported a higher death toll, saying at least 15 bodies have been transferred to districts in Kahsan and Adraskan after migrants were exposed to severe cold along the border. Some migrants are still reported missing.
Witnesses said hundreds of Afghans have recently moved toward the Iran border, attempting to cross through smuggling routes near Islam Qala and Taybad, as legal migration options remain limited. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and rugged terrain have made the journey extremely dangerous.
Families of the victims are searching morgues and border areas for missing relatives, while local authorities continue efforts to identify the dead and locate survivors. Weather conditions in the border region remain harsh and life-threatening.
The incident highlights the growing dangers of illegal migration from Afghanistan, fueled by deepening poverty, unemployment, and stricter visa policies following mass deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran.
Analysts and aid workers warn that without safer migration pathways and expanded humanitarian support, more Afghans may resort to dangerous smuggling routes, increasing the risk of further loss of life along regional borders.
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