Israeli Airstrikes Claim Lives, Including Teenage Foreign Worker
Abdul Wali, an 18-year-old Afghan worker, tragically lost his life in an Israeli airstrike in Iran, leaving his family devastated. His father, Abdul Ghani, described his son as a dedicated teenager who sacrificed his education to support their family back home in Afghanistan. The incident, which occurred at a construction site near a military building in Tehran, has raised concerns among the Afghan community in Iran, where many fear for their safety amidst ongoing conflict.
Details of the Incident
Abdul Wali was working at a construction site in north-east Tehran when the airstrike occurred on Tuesday. His father recounted that although Abdul survived the initial collapse of the building, he succumbed to his injuries hours later in a hospital. The young man was in Iran on a work visa, serving as the primary breadwinner for his family in central Afghanistan. His father, who is currently injured and unable to work, expressed his sorrow over Abdul’s decision to forgo his university aspirations to provide financial support. Abdul had relied on his managers for guidance, who assured him that the building was safe, as it was designated a civilian site.
The BBC has been unable to independently verify the details of the incident due to restrictions imposed by the Iranian government. However, a relative of Abdul Wali shared a video capturing the chaos of the attack, featuring loud explosions and frantic individuals fleeing the scene. Amidst the turmoil, one man can be heard calling out for Abdul Wali, urging him to escape the danger.
Impact on the Afghan Community
The death of Abdul Wali has sent shockwaves through the Afghan community, both within Iran and abroad. According to the United Nations, approximately 4.5 million Afghan nationals reside in Iran. Many Afghans are now urging their loved ones to return home, despite the financial hardships they face. One individual expressed that “working in Iran is not worth losing your life,” highlighting the growing anxiety among Afghans regarding their safety.
WhatsApp groups have become a vital source of information for Afghans in Iran, as they share updates about the conflict from various Afghan media outlets. Despite facing internet outages, community members are providing each other with emotional support during these challenging times. As the conflict continues into its sixth day, concerns about safety are prevalent, with one Afghan in Mashhad stating, “If this continues, where will we go?”
Personal Accounts of Fear and Uncertainty
Numerous Afghans in Iran have described their experiences of sleepless nights filled with fear as they witness missiles falling nearby. Many of them fled Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control in 2021, seeking refuge in Iran. However, the current situation has left them feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Due to safety concerns, many individuals have chosen to remain anonymous, fearing repercussions from the Taliban or jeopardizing their residency in Iran.
Fereshteh, a former employee of an American non-profit advocating for women’s rights, shared her experience of living in Mashhad, where a recent strike occurred just a few kilometers from her home. She expressed that the city feels as if it has shut down, and any sense of safety has been shattered. Fereshteh, who believes she is a target due to her previous work, articulated her fear of returning to Afghanistan, stating that whether they stay in Iran or go back home, danger looms large.
Calls for Assistance
Despite the Taliban’s assurances that Afghans can live without fear, a recent UN report has raised doubts about the reality of such claims. Fereshteh conveyed her desperation, pleading for help as she navigates the precarious situation in Iran. The ongoing conflict has left many Afghans feeling trapped, caught between the dangers of their current environment and the threats they would face if they returned to Afghanistan. The community’s resilience is being tested as they seek safety and support amid escalating violence.
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