A year ago, Lighthouse Reports and its partners exposed how Afghan commandos—known as the Triples—who had closely served alongside British forces, were left behind in Afghanistan, leading to dozens being tortured and, in some cases, killed by the Taliban. In response, the UK government acknowledged its errors and pledged to review about 2,000 previously rejected cases under its Afghan relocation scheme for those with credible ties to specialist units.
Nine months later, investigations by Lighthouse Reports, The Independent, and Etilaat Roz reveal that many former Triples are still awaiting updates from the UK. Meanwhile, military recruiters are actively targeting them with offers to fight for Russia in Ukraine or for Iranian-backed forces in the Middle East.
The recruitment is occurring in Iran, where many former Triples sought refuge after fleeing the Taliban. Some were approached by former Afghan army or security contacts via phone, while others were contacted in person by Afghan people smugglers. One former military doctor reported meeting Russians from the embassy in Tehran directly regarding such recruitment.
In a related development, evidence shows that Ryan Routh—the man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump—had attempted to persuade former Triples to join Ukraine’s fight against Russia just days before his arrest.
Although all the Triples interviewed have declined these offers, holding onto the hope of UK relocation, their situation is increasingly precarious. The Iranian government’s escalating pressure on Afghan refugees—including mass deportations and new restrictions—has left them fearing a forced return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, causing some to reconsider previously rejected recruitment proposals.
Methods
Researchers contacted over 100 former Triples from two lists obtained during the Abandoned Afghan Commandos investigation. More than 60 responded, revealing that 12 had been relocated to the UK, while the rest remained in Afghanistan, Iran, or other countries.
Among 14 former Triples in Iran, most were aware of offers to fight in Ukraine or the Middle East, with six reporting direct approaches. Some shared forms they had been given, requesting personal and contact details if they were interested in joining the Ukrainian conflict; the authenticity of these forms could not be independently verified.
Investigators also obtained WhatsApp screenshots showing messages from a phone number linked to Ryan Routh’s website, discussing how former Triples could go to Ukraine to fight against Russia. These messages are dated 12 September, just days before Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate Trump at a Florida golf course.
Storylines
Mahibullah, a former member of the Triples unit Commando Force (CF) 333 who served alongside British troops for 15 years, fled to Iran in 2022 with his wife and children. He has been offered a chance to fight for Russia, which he declined, hoping for UK relocation. However, he warns of growing risks if the UK does not act quickly.
Iran plans to deport around two million migrants, mostly Afghans, by March, while new restrictions have further curtailed freedoms for those who remain.
Mahibullah said, “If they deport me to Afghanistan, I’ll be killed there. If they send me to Russia, I’ll be killed there too. If death is unavoidable, I would rather do it in a way that gives my family a better life.”
He added, “I would seriously consider [accepting an offer] if the wait continues. Living here is nearly impossible—we cannot find jobs, and our savings are limited. Eventually, I may have to choose one of these options.”