Iran Re-Registering Former Afghan Security Forces, Claim Sources

Sources have reported that the Iranian government has begun the re-registration of former Afghan security forces within its borders.

Two former Afghan soldiers informed Afghanistan International that it has been said that the re-registration is to facilitate the situation of these refugees, though the primary objective of it remains uncertain.

As per reports received by Afghanistan International, the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs in Iran has reached out to several former Afghan security forces seeking their specifications.

A former Afghan army officer told Afghanistan International that an Iranian official from the foreign immigrants’ office contacted him and asked where he had previously served and what was his position.

At the same time, Iran has taken a census of Afghan immigrants and issued residence permits for them.

So far, the Iranian government has not officially commented on the census and the creation of facilities for the former Afghan security forces who took refuge in Iran.

Following the takeover of power by the Taliban in August 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghans, including the security force members of the previous government, took refuge in other countries, including Iran.

However, Iran has identified hundreds of thousands of Afghans in various provinces and handed them over to the Taliban over the past months.

Like other countries, Iran does not recognise the Taliban, however, it has maintained close diplomatic and economic relations with the group.

About a week ago, the Iranian Ministry of Justice announced that Iran has handed over 1,136 Afghan prisoners to the Taliban in the past year.