Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
200 ‘abandoned allies’ in hiding
NOT a single interpreter left behind after Britain’s withdrawal from Aghanistan has been evacuated, campaigners say.
It is estimated up to 200 translators, British embassy support staff and families are at risk of execution or imprisonment by the Taliban.
Many are now in hiding and begging for food and money from family and friends.
Terrified interpreters told the Sunday Mirror they have been abandoned by the UK.
One called Aleem, 30, said he worked for British and US Forces forces in Helmand for 16 months.
Military documents say he was highly trusted and risked his life.
A letter from Flt Lt Darren Nelson, from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, describes Aleem as someone who “embodies the values of courage, hard work and professionalism”.
Another letter from a captain serving in the 9/12 Lancers in 2009 describes him as showing “commendable courage under fire”.
Dad-of-four Aleem said: “We left Kandahar for Kabul when the Taliban came. The British embassy said they would get my family out.
“But in the chaos we couldn’t get to the airport. I haven’t heard anything since. We have sold all of our jewellery to buy food, now we’re selling our clothes. I am hiding in a cellar with my family. The Taliban are everywhere, constantly checking for anyone who worked for foreign governments.”
Another interpreter said he, too, felt betrayed. Abdal, 29, who is married with two children, said: “I feel very angry. I risked my life for the British government when they needed my help. Now I need their help and no one is making contact. I don’t know what future I can have in this country. I can’t work, I have no money and my family are suffering. The British embassy assured us we would have a future in the UK.”
The interpreters’ plight has been raised by former major general Charlie Herbert. He said: “Not one interpreter I’m tracking has been helped into a third country by the UK Government.”
Colonel Simon Diggins, a former military attache at the British embassy in Kabul, also campaigns for translators. He said: “Many former Afghan staff, including many called for evacuation but couldn’t get on flights, are desperately waiting for news of how they are to be extracted. Their lives are on hold. We desperately need to know what the UK government is going to do.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “Our staff worked tirelessly to facilitate the swift evacuation of British nationals, Afghan staff and others. We continue to make every effort to enable those eligible to come to the UK to come here.”