14 Afghan migrants die in Nimroz desert while attempting to reach Iran

Fourteen Afghan nationals attempting an irregular crossing to Iran were found dead in the desert of Afghanistan’s southwestern Nimroz province. The bodies were recovered in the Dast‑e Gard‑e Lalo area, about 63 km from the Milak border crossing, after the group became lost and succumbed to extreme heat and dehydration. They were part of a larger party of 19 men; five additional bodies had been discovered earlier, bringing the total death toll to 19. Authorities said the migrants’ vehicle broke down, forcing them to continue on foot through temperatures near 45 °C. The Taliban‑appointed governor’s spokesperson, Abdulmutawakel Tohidi, confirmed the findings, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned that the incident highlights the humanitarian risks of dangerous desert routes used by Afghans seeking work in Iran. Afghan officials said anti‑human‑smuggling operations would continue.