The drowning of at least 18 young Afghans allegedly forced at gunpoint into a river by Iranian border guards has caused a diplomatic strain between
Kabul and Tehran and international calls for an investigation. Hanif Atmar, Afghan foreign minister, has pledged to use “all diplomatic affords to bring justice and investigate this unforgivable crime” and said he had held “tense” meetings with Iranian officials. Accounts of the incident and video of the bodies laid out in desert have provoked outcry across
Afghanistan. The US State department said: “Iran's cruel treatment and abuse of Afghan migrants alleged in these reports is horrifying. We support calls for a thorough investigation. Those found guilty of such abuse must be held accountable.” Tehran has denied its border guards had any involvement in the deaths, but has agreed to cooperate in any investigation. Survivors told the Telegraph that a party of more than 50 young men were caught north of the Western city of Herat as they tried to smuggle themselves into
Iran earlier this month. Iranian guards beat them, then forced them into the Harirod river.