Iranian media, quoting the commander of border forces in Razavi Khorasan Province, reported that several Afghan migrants attempting to cross the shared border illegally have died due to extreme cold weather.
Kabul 24: The Iranian official did not specify the exact number of fatalities but stated that the bodies were handed over to Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan authorities via the Dogharoun border crossing.The Iranian border commander added that a number of other Afghan migrants were rescued from the severe cold.
Previously, local officials in Herat Province had told media that at least three individuals lost their lives due to extreme cold on the shared Afghanistan-Iran border.
This incident occurs amid ongoing attempts by thousands of Afghan citizens to enter Iran illegally each year for economic, security, or better livelihood reasons.
The Afghanistan-Iran border, particularly in mountainous and cold regions, becomes highly dangerous during winter due to severe frost, harsh weather conditions, and difficult terrain, which have repeatedly caused migrant deaths.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly urged citizens to avoid illegal migration, emphasizing that job opportunities and security within the country are improving.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities continue to strengthen border patrols to prevent illegal crossings, while also conducting humanitarian rescue operations.
This tragic event once again highlights the challenges faced by Afghan migrants. International organizations and human rights groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers of illegal migration during the cold season and called for the establishment of legal and safe pathways for migrants.
The handover of the victims’ bodies to Afghan authorities demonstrates border cooperation between the two countries on humanitarian issues, despite recent political challenges in Kabul-Tehran relations.
Afghan officials have announced that the bodies will be transferred for identification and delivery to families.
