Afghan Pilots Face Dire Consequences After US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Afghan pilots, once allied with US forces, are currently in perilous situations in Pakistan following the US troop withdrawal. Many fear Taliban retribution and face uncertainty in resettlement under shifting US policies. A looming deadline for repatriation exacerbates their plight, urging immediate assistance for their safety. Their challenges illustrate broader implications for future US partnerships in global military efforts.
Afghan pilots who supported US forces during the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan now find themselves in precarious circumstances, particularly after the withdrawal of US troops in August 2021. Tauheed Khan, an Afghan pilot, expressed his pride in flying over Kabul but now fears returning there as the Taliban regain power. With anti-migrant policies in both the United States and Pakistan, these pilots and their families are currently at a critical juncture, pressing for resettlement programs that seem increasingly uncertain.
During the war, Afghan pilots and the allied coalition achieved significant successes against the Taliban. However, the rapid collapse of Afghan governmental forces in August 2021 led to renewed threats against former military personnel, including identified pilots. Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate an alarming rise in targeted violence against those associated with the previous government, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions.
Khan, now living in Pakistan with his family, describes the fear many pilots share of Taliban retaliation. His colleague Khapalwaka, a trained aviation engineer, also expressed distress over being a target due to his work with US forces. Currently, he is compelled to live off meager resources, all while fearing for his family’s safety amidst tightening Pakistani policies against Afghan refugees.
The US refugee admissions program has become increasingly uncertain under recent policies, leaving thousands of Afghans in limbo. Afghan pilots, previously assured of support, are confronted with an announcement by Pakistan’s government to repatriate Afghan nationals bound for third-country resettlement by March 31, further intensifying the urgency for safe relocation.
For many Afghan pilots, the only option may now be remaining in a hostile environment or risking perilous return to their homeland. As they confront fears of deportation or Taliban retribution, they request urgent assistance. As one pilot poignantly put it, “Only death, difficulties and horrors await us there.” The collaborative efforts of fellow US service members offer some hope, but the overarching fear remains that abandoning allies could signal danger for future partnerships.
In conclusion, Afghan pilots who once fought alongside US forces are facing treacherous circumstances and existential threats under the Taliban regime. Their aspirations for safety and resettlement in the United States are hindered by restrictive policies and lack of communication. With a pressing deadline for repatriation by Pakistan’s government, these individuals urgently seek assistance to escape a grim situation. The implications of their plights extend beyond personal safety, highlighting the potential risk of discouraging future alliances with US military operations.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
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