Dozens of Afghan Migrants Die from Freezing Cold on Iran Border Crossing

Dozens of Afghan migrants have lost their lives over the past few days while attempting to cross into Iran through unofficial border routes in western Afghanistan, local media reported on Saturday. The fatalities occurred amid freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and treacherous terrain, underscoring the extreme dangers faced by unauthorized migrants.

Reports from 'Iran International' indicate that as many as 40 Afghan migrants died inside Iran during recent illegal border crossings. At least 15 bodies were reportedly transferred back to the Afghan districts of Kohsan and Adraskan, while several others remain missing, with families searching morgues and border areas for relatives.

Afghanistan’s Khaama Press Agency cited a spokesperson from the Taliban administration in Herat, confirming that three Afghan citizens died near the Kohsan border while attempting to enter Iran illegally. Local residents have suggested that the actual death toll could be higher due to the perilous winter conditions and ongoing smuggling activities.

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Witnesses report that hundreds of Afghans are moving toward the Iran border via smuggling routes near Islam Qala and Taybad, as legal migration options remain extremely limited. The combination of freezing rain, snow, and rugged terrain has made these journeys increasingly deadly.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have intensified security operations along their borders. Amu TV reported that police in Zahedan detained 437 undocumented Afghan migrants over the past week. These operations also led to the arrest of suspected thieves, drug users, and low-level drug dealers, reflecting Iran’s crackdown on unauthorized migration and border security.

The tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for safer migration channels and humanitarian support for Afghan citizens fleeing conflict and economic hardship. Human rights advocates warn that winter conditions and illegal border crossings continue to put vulnerable migrants at severe risk, demanding immediate attention from regional authorities.

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