On Monday, the Iranian human rights organization HalVash reported a tragic incident in the Kalgan region of Golshan, Sistan and Baluchestan province, where Iranian border forces allegedly opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants.
Kabul 24: According to the report, at least six Afghans were killed, and five others were injured in the shooting, which occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Additionally, approximately 40 other migrants were detained and transferred to a local border post following the incident.The Kalgan area, situated near Iran’s border with Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a known crossing point for undocumented migrants, smugglers, and occasionally armed groups.
HalVash’s report, citing eyewitnesses, stated that around 300 Afghan migrants, primarily from Afghanistan’s Nimroz province, were attempting to cross into Iran through informal routes when they were targeted by border guards.
The shooting, reportedly unprovoked, resulted in significant casualties. Some local sources claimed the number of killed and injured could be higher, potentially reaching 260, though HalVash’s initial report provided more conservative figures.
Videos circulating on social media depict harrowing scenes of injured migrants calling for help in Pashto, alleging direct fire from Iranian forces. Some accounts also suggested that landmines, remnants of past conflicts in the region, may have contributed to the injuries.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the perilous journey faced by Afghan migrants fleeing conflict and economic hardship in their homeland.
Many aim for better opportunities in Iran or onward to Europe, often navigating dangerous routes fraught with risks like landmines, harsh terrain, and violence from smugglers or authorities.
The Kalgan region, located in Saravan county, is particularly hazardous due to historical minefields from the Iran-Iraq War and ongoing tensions with Baloch insurgent groups.Official responses have been mixed.
Iran’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, dismissed reports of mass casualties as “false,” asserting that preventing illegal border crossings is a sovereign right.
The Sistan and Baluchestan border commander also denied the shooting, labeling shared images as “fake.” Conversely, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that an investigation is underway, with decisions pending its outcome.
The United Nations, through its special rapporteur Richard Bennett, expressed deep concern and called for a transparent investigation.
UNAMA emphasized the need for greater protection for Afghan migrants globally.This tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges of Afghan migration to Iran, where over 4 million Afghans reside, many undocumented.
Since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, Iran has intensified deportations, with over 1.5 million Afghans expelled in 2025 alone, amid heightened security measures following Iran’s conflict with Israel.
The incident risks further straining Iran-Afghanistan relations, already tense over issues like water rights and border security. (W
