A former Afghan interpreter who had collaborated with the British Army shared a distressing account of how his family faced threats and torture from the Taliban due to a Ministry of Defence error that exposed their identities.
The interpreter, who chose to remain anonymous to protect his relatives in Afghanistan, recounted his service in Helmand Province in 2012 with the hope of contributing to his nation’s development through the British Army’s assistance. Following the end of British combat operations in 2014, he remained in Afghanistan to support his family amidst escalating Taliban threats.
However, escalating danger and threats prompted him to seek resettlement in the UK in 2021. Despite being accepted for relocation with his spouse, the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021 delayed their departure. Amidst the turmoil, he managed to leave on August 24, leaving his loved ones behind.
Upon reaching the UK, he applied for his family’s relocation, but the process was marred by a data breach that exposed thousands, including him, to Taliban retaliation. His father endured arrest and torture, with the Taliban demanding ransom and threatening his sisters.
Eventually, in May 2024, his parents and three sisters resettled in the UK, while others remained in Afghanistan. The interpreter highlighted the emotional toll of the ordeal on his family, particularly his mother’s distress.
Notably, he mentioned the plight of fellow Afghans who supported international forces and agencies but remained in Afghanistan, underscoring the urgency of their protection and relocation. The interpreter’s story emerged amidst a critical report on the data breach, urging the government to safeguard vulnerable Afghans awaiting safe passage to the UK.
Sara de Jong, from the Sulha Alliance, emphasized the human toll of the breach and advocated for swift action to assist at-risk interpreters and their families still in Afghanistan. The report underscored the pressing need to fulfill the promise of safety for those who stood by the British military during the conflict.
