Afghan's Details in UK Data Breach Put Him at Risk from Taliban, Son tells BBC

Son of deported Afghan, who fled to UK in 2020, says his father's life is at risk as Taliban targets those involved in allied forces or government roles during occupation

The Taliban has targeted individuals involved with the British armed forces or the previous Afghan government, according to the son of an Afghan man who was deported from the UK. The man, who asked not to be identified, said that his father - now living in an undisclosed country - was contacted by the Taliban via a messenger app three weeks after his deportation. The group demanded information about his time working for the British military. He is currently in hiding.

The revelation comes as the UK Home Office faces criticism for its treatment of Afghan refugees. The government has defended its actions, saying it helped more than 8,000 Afghans escape to safety.

Comments from the UK Government

A spokesperson said that the welfare of Afghanistan citizens was a priority and that the British government was exploring options to support those at risk of reprisals. They commented: "On behalf of the nation, we owe an immense debt to the Afghans who worked tirelessly to help us, as well as to the British troops who served in Afghanistan. We are determined to do everything we can to help those at risk."