Over 1,100 Afghan Ex-US Allies in Qatar Face Camp Closure, Potential Return to Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan
NBC News reports that more than 1,100 Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the 20-year war, including special forces members, interpreters and their families, face the closure of the U.S.-managed Al Seeliya camp near Doha, Qatar, by the end of March.
Many residents have been approved for resettlement in the United States. They must choose between transfer to an unspecified third country or return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, where they fear persecution.
U.S. officials offer financial incentives of $1,000 to $4,500 for voluntary repatriation. A State Department spokesperson said there are no forced returns, indefinite stays in the camp are not appropriate and transfers to third countries are positive for security reasons. A U.S. official told Congress that some residents have voluntarily accepted the financial offers.
Shawn Vandiver, head of a San Diego-based organization supporting the Afghans, described the camp conditions as prison-like, with residents confined to windowless shipping containers and unable to leave.
Mohammad, a former interpreter for the U.S., said he feels betrayed by the situation, adding that his family has been targeted in Afghanistan.
Thousands of other Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Qatar also await resolution of their cases.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Where reports agree
- US is closing Al Seeliya camp in Qatar housing Afghan evacuees
- Residents face options of third country transfer or return to Afghanistan
- US officials state no forced returns and promote third-country options
- Named individuals express fears and betrayal over situation
More in International
Taliban Deputy Minister Assures No Harm to Neighbors from Qoshtepa Canal Water Share
U.S. Resumes Limited Review of Asylum Requests from Non-High-Risk Countries
US, Israel and Iran Engaged in Escalating Military Conflict
Russian, Uzbek Officials to Discuss Afghanistan Security at Termez Conference
ReliableTaliban Deputy Minister Assures No Harm to Neighbors from Qoshtepa Canal Water Share
Taliban Deputy Minister of Water and Energy Mujib al-Rahman Umar assured at Uzbekistan's Water Week that Afghanistan seeks only its legal water share from the Qoshtepa Canal without intending to harm neighbors. The statement responds to Uzbekistan's water minister's concerns about excessive withdrawals potentially damaging agriculture.
ReliableU.S. Resumes Limited Review of Asylum Requests from Non-High-Risk Countries
The U.S. has resumed limited review of asylum applications from countries not on its high-risk list after halting them following a November 2025 shooting near the White House by a former Afghan soldier who entered via the Afghan Allies Relocation Program. Restrictions persist for nationals of 39 high-risk countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with full security checks required for all applicants.
US, Israel and Iran Engaged in Escalating Military Conflict
The United States and Israel have launched attacks on targets in Iran amid an escalating war, prompting Iranian missile and drone strikes on Israel and US bases, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Failed assassination attempts on Iranian leaders and threats to regional infrastructure highlight the conflict's severity.
ReliableRussian, Uzbek Officials to Discuss Afghanistan Security at Termez Conference
Russian and Uzbek officials will meet in Termez on 10-11 Hamal for a conference hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and Uzbekistan's Institute for Strategic Studies to discuss Afghanistan's security and regional issues including migration and climate change. Organizers expressed concerns over terrorism risks near the Afghan border.