Taliban hunts former Afghan forces three years post U.S. withdrawal

Three years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, former Afghan soldiers and police officers are facing severe repercussions from the Taliban, who accuse them of being American spies. Many of these individuals, numbering over 270,000, were trained by American and NATO forces and are now in hiding to escape persecution. Mohammed, a former police officer, chose to return to Afghanistan from Iran to avoid joining an Iran-backed militia, fearing deportation back to Taliban-controlled areas. Hayatullah, a former Afghan National Army soldier, recalls the moment the Taliban approached his military base in 2021. Despite urging his commanders to fight back, they were told to surrender their weapons and return home safely. This false sense of security led many to believe they could avoid harm, but the reality has been starkly different. Hayatullah now hides in Kabul, where he feels somewhat safer due to the city's population density. The plight of these former forces has garnered attention in the U.S., where legislation has been proposed to create a pathway to citizenship for Afghans already in the country. This bill aims to provide resources to protect those left behind, but it has been stalled in Congress for over a year. The ongoing struggle reflects a broader commitment from various American groups advocating for the rights and safety of Afghan allies. The situation remains dire for many former Afghan military personnel, as they navigate a landscape filled with fear and uncertainty. The Taliban's continued targeting of these individuals underscores the challenges faced by those who once served alongside international forces, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and support from the global community.