Local sources say that 65 Afghan passengers traveling in four vehicles have been missing for nearly a week in the vicinity of the border district of Charbarak in Nimroz Province.
According to the sources, the individuals were attempting to travel to Iran and Pakistan through illegal smuggling routes.
Local drivers say that a week ago, Taliban border forces opened fire on vehicles that were illegally transporting passengers toward the borders of Iran and Pakistan. It is reported that the vehicles fled the area at high speed following the shooting.
Relatives of Nematullah, a driver from Farah Province who was killed, say that the Taliban stopped his vehicle, removed 22 passengers from it, and then opened fire on the driver, killing him on the spot.
Sources say that the bodies of four people have so far been recovered, while dozens of others remain missing in the region’s sandy deserts and remote areas.
Meanwhile, local Taliban officials have stated that five passengers heading to Iran died eight days ago due to extreme heat and dehydration. They said the individuals had traveled from Zaranj toward Charbarak district and fell victim to the harsh desert conditions and severe climate along the smuggling route.
In recent days, videos and images related to the incident have also circulated on social media, showing some passengers buried under sand or appearing to have died due to extreme heat and thirst.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
