5 dead, 14 missing while attempting to enter Iran illegally from Afghanistan

Victims believed to have died from thirst, extreme heat in deserts of southwestern Nimroz province

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Anadolu July 19, 2026 Less than a minute read

Photo: Iran’s Isna

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Afghan security forces recovered the bodies of five people who were attempting to enter Iran illegally but died from thirst and extreme heat in the deserts of southwestern Nimroz province, local media reported on Sunday.

Efforts are underway to locate another 14 people who remain missing, local broadcaster Tolo News reported, citing Nimroz police spokesman Gul Mohammad Qudrat.

The deceased were part of a 19-member group attempting to cross illegally into neighbouring Iran through remote desert areas spanning Helmand and Nimroz provinces.

Many Afghans, particularly young people, attempt to enter Iran illegally in search of work.

Last year, dozens of Afghan migrants died from exposure to freezing temperatures while attempting to cross into Iran.