KABUL: The bodies of 14 Afghan nationals attempting to cross illegally into Iran have been recovered from a desert area in Afghanistan’s southwestern Nimroz province, officials said. The victims had been missing for several weeks and are believed to have died from extreme heat and dehydration.
According to a foreign news agency, the group was traveling in a vehicle to enter Iran through an illegal route. However, after the vehicle broke down in the desert, they were forced to continue their journey on foot.
The search operation began after the vehicle’s driver, suffering from severe thirst and exhaustion, managed to reach a nearby village and asked local residents for help.
Rescue teams initially recovered five bodies, prompting authorities to expand the search for the remaining missing individuals. On Saturday, officials found 14 more bodies buried beneath the sand in the remote desert area.
Authorities said Nimroz is one of Afghanistan’s hottest and driest provinces, where temperatures currently reach around 45 degrees Celsius, making prolonged travel on foot extremely dangerous.
Hospital sources said the bodies were severely decomposed and badly affected by the intense heat and harsh desert conditions.
Meanwhile, Afghan authorities have pledged to intensify efforts against human trafficking networks. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Matin Qani told state media that operations against human smugglers would continue to dismantle criminal networks that endanger the lives of Afghan citizens.
Also Read: Human trafficking and exploitation of civilians on the rise in Afghanistan, UN warns
Thousands of Afghans attempt to enter Iran through illegal routes each year in search of better employment and economic opportunities. Many lose their lives due to the harsh desert terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the activities of human smugglers.
