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Germany's First Taliban-Coordinated Deportation of Afghans Begins

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Germany deported 20 convicted Afghans to Afghanistan, the first deportation coordinated with the Taliban since 2021.
The charter flight departed from Leipzig, forming part of a new Germany–Taliban agreement.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the agreement backs ongoing deportations.
The move is controversial, given Germany's lack of diplomatic relations with the Taliban-led government and Chancellor Friedrich Merz's pledge to increase deportations since taking office in May 2025.

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Story summary

Germany deported 20 convicted Afghans to Afghanistan, the first deportation coordinated with the Taliban since 2021.
The charter flight departed from Leipzig, forming part of a new Germany–Taliban agreement.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the agreement backs ongoing deportations.
The move is controversial, given Germany's lack of diplomatic relations with the Taliban-led government and Chancellor Friedrich Merz's pledge to increase deportations since taking office in May 2025.