Afghan heroes face starvation as UK stalls their rescue

In Afghanistan, former members of special forces units trained and funded by the UK are struggling to secure safety as they await relocation due to the UK government's slow review of their requests. Thousands of Afghans served alongside British troops, putting their lives on the line, but many of their applications for asylum have been unjustly denied, leading to a dire situation for them and their families. These individuals, particularly those from units called CF333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444, collectively referred to as the Triples, are currently living in hazardous conditions, surviving on minimal food and facing discrimination in their communities. The Ministry of Defence announced in February that they would analyze approximately 2,000 applications that were previously rejected under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap). This came after a joint investigation revealed that several Triples were erroneously turned away from the scheme. Many former commandos, like Mahibullah, expressed their desperation for a quicker response and voiced their fears of being forced into compromising situations if assistance does not come soon. Despite receiving offers to work for Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the commandos remain hopeful for positive news regarding their applications. While many are adjusting to life in exile, their families struggle with the challenges of living in foreign countries like Iran. For instance, Amir, another former commando, works as a security guard but finds it difficult to provide for his family. His son often questions his future education, highlighting the emotional toll of their situation. Abdul Rahim and his family are living in a disused ice cream factory, underscoring the tragic plight of many former Afghan military members and their loved ones who feel abandoned by the British government despite their sacrifices. The ongoing delay in processing these applications continues to generate frustration among former military personnel, advocates, and humanitarian groups. The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the lag in the review process and promised to work diligently towards facilitating the relocation of eligible Afghans and their families to the UK. However, the uncertainty surrounding their future remains a source of anxiety as these brave individuals wait for the government to fulfill its promises of safety and resettlement.