Over 1.4 Million Afghans Return Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Over 250,000 Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during America's two-decade presence in Afghanistan face an uncertain future as the Trump administration rolls back refugee resettlement programs, leaving many vulnerable to Taliban retribution. The U.S. State Department has shut down the office facilitating Afghan resettlement and cut funding for related flights, while countries like the UAE have begun deporting Afghan evacuees to Afghanistan amid concerns they lack legal pathways to the U.S. Many Afghans, including those who worked with NATO or the former U.S.-backed government, fear that returning to Afghanistan would be a death sentence. Meanwhile, escalating regional tensions have led to a mass return of Afghans mainly from Iran, exacerbating pressure on host communities amid scarce resources. Humanitarian operations in Afghanistan are increasingly constrained by interference from de facto authorities, including restrictions on aid delivery, female participation, and heightened risks for humanitarian workers due to detentions and enforcement of strict morality laws. The deteriorating political and security environment leaves these vulnerable populations at great risk, with limited international support and growing instability.