IS threats to Afghan translators

AFGHAN interpreters who served on the battlefield with British troops are being stalked and threatened by Islamic State on Facebook, it can be revealed.

At least six translators, including one still working with UK forces in the capital Kabul, have been directly targeted by name through the social media site’s messaging service.

Branded ‘spies’ and ‘infidels’, they were told to save themselves and their families by joining IS or face being hunted down.

A second Facebook threat sent days later to the same interpreters contained the picture of an executed government worker with the message that they could be next. British officials in Kabul and Afghan intelligence officers are investigating the Facebook threats and how IS obtained the names and personal details of those who served for more than a decade with UK military.

One translator, who worked for more than five years for UK troops and has been threatened in the past by the Taliban, said: ‘It is particularly worrying and disturbing that [IS] are able to track us down when we are very careful about personal security.’ The warnings come after the Daily Mail revealed how none of about 50 interpreters promised sanctuary in Britain by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has arrived.

Mr Williamson had made the vow last year following the Mail’s Betrayal Of The Brave campaign.

A Facebook spokesman said: ‘ There is absolutely no place on [Facebook] Messenger for those who credibly threaten other people’s lives.’

The Ministry of Defence said: ‘We recognise the vital role interpreters and local staff played in operations in Afghanistan and we are the only nation with a permanent expert team based in Kabul to investigate intimidation claims.’