A Letter From Afghan Special Forces to Western Leaders

Another Message from Hamid

Two Special Mission Wing Mi-17s approach a landing zone. Special Mission Wing 777 is Afghanistan's special operations aviation force, delivering special operators from the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command and General Command of Police Special Units on time, on target, and under the cover of darkness. Established in 2005 as the Air Interdiction Unit, SMW is now regarded as one of the region's premier aviation units. (Courtesy photo from Afghan Special Mission Wing Public Affairs)

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Petition Letter from Former Afghan Special Forces

To: the United Nations, international institutions, allied defense ministries, and human rights organizations; His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; and esteemed officials in the Ministries of Defense of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Italy, as well as human rights organizations and legal advocates around the world.

With utmost respect,

We, the former members of Afghanistan’s elite security forces—GCPSU (General Command of Police Special Units) and ANASOC commandos—who served on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and violence for years, write to you with heavy hearts and a desperate plea for justice.

We fought for the values of humanity and the global community for freedom, dignity, and the protection of our homeland. Today, after the collapse of our government, we have been abandoned. We live under unbearable conditions in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, stateless, defenseless, and under constant threat.

One of our brave comrades lost his life simply because he lacked a legal document to return. Many others have been subjected to severe psychological distress. In Afghanistan, several have been killed, assassinated, or forcibly disappeared solely because they once wore the uniform in defense of the nation. Our families live in hiding, stripped of their basic human rights. And yet, international organizations remain silent.

We ask:

Why has our voice not reached the world?

Why are those who stood shoulder to shoulder with international forces now forgotten?

Has the moral conscience of the global community gone silent in the face of our suffering?

We call on the United Nations and international institutions to:

1. Recognize the severity of our current crisis and take urgent action.

2. Bring our case for justice to the global stage.

3. Facilitate resettlement and protection opportunities for vulnerable former soldiers.

4. Ensure justice for the families of those who have been targeted, killed, or oppressed in retaliation.

May this letter serve as a wake-up call to the world’s conscience, a reminder of the suffering endured by those who once stood as a shield for peace and humanity.

With respect and hope,

A group of former Afghan special forces residing in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.