10 Afghans killed in Farah border shooting by Iranian forces

Ten Afghan civilians were killed and two others went missing after Iranian border forces opened fire on a group attempting to cross illegally from Afghanistan into Iran, officials said on Monday.

According to the Press Office of the Farah Police Command, the victims—all residents of Farah—were trying to enter Iran through the Sheikh Abunasr Farahi crossing when they came under armed attack from Iranian border guards.

Spokesman Mohammad Nasim Badri said the group had sought to bypass the official checkpoint, triggering the deadly response.

Part of a wider pattern of border tensions

The shooting, one of the deadliest such incidents this year, comes amid ongoing strain along the Afghanistan–Iran border, where disputes over migration, water rights and security have repeatedly led to skirmishes and civilian casualties.

Iran has intensified crackdowns on undocumented migration in recent years, citing security concerns and economic pressures.

Afghan officials say thousands continue to attempt irregular crossings each month, driven by limited job opportunities and tightening entry restrictions in neighboring countries.

The border area near Sheikh Abunasr Farahi has seen multiple deadly incidents over the past decade, including clashes between Iranian forces and Afghan smugglers, as well as drownings and shootings involving migrants attempting to cross through unofficial routes.

Authorities urge caution as investigations continue

The Farah Police Press Office warned that the incident underscores the severe risks associated with illegal crossings and called for tighter monitoring of border routes to prevent further loss of life. Local authorities are investigating the incident and coordinating with relevant agencies, including Afghanistan’s border management authorities, to identify the missing individuals and assess security gaps.

Afghan officials say they will seek clarification from Iranian authorities regarding the circumstances of the shooting.

With economic hardship continuing to push Afghans toward perilous migration routes, analysts caution that without coordinated management between Kabul and Tehran, similar tragedies remain likely.