The local staff safety issue has been coming up again lately, with new reporting by The Times's Deborah Haynes. BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat says that hundreds of Afghan interpreters are worried they'll be killed after British forces leave Afghanistan -
That's according to one local translator who worked closely with UK troops in Helmand Province from 2006 until recently.
Mohamad Fawad is 25 and was born and raised in the Afghan capital, Kabul, but has now moved to Britain because he fears for his safety.
Like many other interpreters who have helped UK soldiers in the war he's terrified he'll be killed by the Taliban or the Afghan government if he stays in Afghanistan.
But the Foreign Office has told Newsbeat that translators are free to choose whether to take the job or not.
"People who put their life on the line for the United Kingdom will not be abandoned," a statement said.
"Interpreters voluntarily apply for positions and go through a recruitment process, during which they are briefed beforehand of the requirements of their job including any risks involved.
"Interpreters are free to resign at any time and, whilst a few do decide to leave for a range of reasons, most choose to remain in employment."
Newsbeat caught up with the Afghan interpreter in London. ...
- Full story by Sima Kotecha, Radio 1 Newsbeat - Afghanistan 'not safe' for interpreters
Related stories
- New York Times 04.08.2011 - Afghans Who Risked Lives for U.S. Are Left in Dark on Visas
- Montreal Gazette 18.07.2011 - Afghan interpreters get chance to resettle - Government expects about 550 people will take advantage of Canadian offer
- The Australian 02.08.11, by Deborah Haynes - Interpreters open to Taliban revenge once UK troops depart -
BRITAIN is being urged to save hundreds of interpreters who have worked for its armed forces in Afghanistan from the growing threat of kidnap and execution by the Taliban.
Although other NATO countries operating in the most dangerous parts of Afghani- stan are making immigration arrangements for interpreters, Britain has no such scheme. But those working for the military coalition have reason to fear for their lives. ...
