A Cry for Justice
From Battlefield Brotherhood to Bureaucratic Silence
We are the sons and daughters of Afghanistan—special forces and military personnel who, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, fought shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. troops in a relentless battle against terrorism. Our fight was not only for the defense of our homeland but for global security and the values that safeguard the free world from extremist threats. With unwavering commitment, we trained, fought, were wounded, and witnessed the martyrdom of our comrades alongside American forces. These sacrifices were not made out of obligation but stemmed from a shared belief in a common cause and alliance.
Over two decades, more than 100,000 Afghan security forces lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands were wounded. We sacrificed not only our lives but our youth, our futures, and the well-being of our families. Yet, following the Doha Agreement in 2020 and the precipitous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the system built with American support collapsed. The Taliban, the same group that once provided safe haven to the architects of 9/11, returned to power. In the aftermath, we, the former Afghan security forces, were left displaced and vulnerable. Many of us faced threats and persecution for our loyalty to the U.S. and its values, forcing us to flee our homeland.
Today, approximately 16,000 of us, along with our families, have been resettled in the United States over the past three years. We arrived in this new land with hopes of a safe and dignified life, but a harsh reality awaited us. Despite years of dedicated service alongside American forces, we have received no recognition, support, or benefits akin to those provided to U.S. veterans. We find ourselves trapped in a state of neglect, without adequate access to healthcare, mental health support, educational opportunities, or proper housing. For those who risked their lives for a shared cause with America, this situation is not only unjust but deeply painful.
We, the former Afghan special forces and military personnel, call upon the American-community, and particularly the U.S. government, to recognize our sacrifices. We seek the support necessary to rebuild our lives: access to healthcare to heal our physical and psychological wounds, educational opportunities to forge a better future, and housing support to ensure security and stability for our families. We were not mercenaries or nameless soldiers; we were loyal allies who fought with honor alongside American troops. Our only request now is justice and recognition.
This article is a cry from us, the unsung veterans of the war on terror, now living in America and seeking a life of dignity. We still carry the same commitment and faith in our hearts and stand ready to contribute to peace and global security alongside our longtime allies. But now, it is the turn of the American society to stand with us and honor our shared sacrifices.
Parwani Sahil served in the Afghan Special Forces. Among many assignments, he served as the JSOC Deputy Director for Intelligence.
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As an American I am ashamed. And grateful