Fears Evacuation Plan Needed For Afghan Interpreters If Government Collapses

A former Army officer in Afghanistan fears a "disaster plan" may be required to ensure the safety of interpreters who have supported British troops in the country, as the Taliban continues its violent offensive.

Colonel Simon Diggins, former British defence attaché in Kabul, told Forces News those translators still in the country require cooperation from the Afghan officials in order to successfully move to the UK.

However, as British and NATO forces finalise their withdrawal from Afghanistan, there is a concern those who assisted UK forces could be left as targets for the Taliban if the Islamist militant group’s offensive collapses the government.

In July, a number of former Armed Forces officials signed an open letter to the UK Government, asking for greater numbers of interpreters to be granted sanctuary, criticising the relocation process.

"We’ve got to have, I hate to say it, a kind of disaster plan, as well as what we’re doing at the moment," said Colonel Diggins.

"One of my fears is that at some point, under the weight of pressure that they’re under, that all those kind of ancillary but vital supporting activities by the Afghan government will just cease," he added.

The former officer hopes such action is not required, calling for support for the Afghan government and its forces fighting the Taliban.