Afghan Elite Troops Risk Rejoining Taliban Ranks Following Alleged UK 'Betrayal'
Nearly 200 Afghan special forces, once backed by the UK, may be forced to return to their Taliban-ruled country, per BBC reports. These soldiers are facing imminent expulsion from Pakistan. A former UK general has condemned this as a betrayal.
The UK claims to have already relocated thousands of Afghans to safety. However, concerns arise as it's disclosed that the UK declined to offer asylum to certain Afghan civilian leaders at risk despite past cooperation with British forces in Helmand Province.
Amid the debate over their fate, an Afghan commando, who protected British nationals during Afghanistan's collapse but was left behind, shares his feelings of abandonment.
The estimated 200 commandos in peril of deportation were identified through a confidential network of Afghan security force veterans.
Both military and civilian allies of the UK, rejected by the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP), express a sense of betrayal, fearing Taliban retaliation. Despite commitments, they find themselves in limbo, with British support falling short.
In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Defence insists that the UK's efforts to aid eligible Afghans are generous and ongoing, with over 24,600 already brought to safety. Each ARAP application is individually evaluated, and job roles do not guarantee eligibility.
Amid the debate over their fate, an Afghan commando, who protected British nationals during Afghanistan's collapse but was left behind, shares his feelings of abandonment.
The estimated 200 commandos in peril of deportation were identified through a confidential network of Afghan security force veterans.
Both military and civilian allies of the UK, rejected by the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP), express a sense of betrayal, fearing Taliban retaliation. Despite commitments, they find themselves in limbo, with British support falling short.
In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Defence insists that the UK's efforts to aid eligible Afghans are generous and ongoing, with over 24,600 already brought to safety. Each ARAP application is individually evaluated, and job roles do not guarantee eligibility.