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70,000 Afghans Return Amid Poverty and Taliban Restrictions

3/23/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Fatima Sajjadi, a 26-year-old Afghan student, returned to Afghanistan from Iran after fleeing conflict.
Since late February, more than 70,000 Afghans have crossed back, escaping danger and facing poverty and Taliban restrictions.
Daily, around 2,000 Afghans, mostly women and children, arrive at Islam Qala border.
Aid is scarce, with the U.N. funding only 10% of its Afghanistan response.
The war has driven up prices, deepening poverty for returnees.

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Story summary

Fatima Sajjadi, a 26-year-old Afghan student, returned to Afghanistan from Iran after fleeing conflict.
Since late February, more than 70,000 Afghans have crossed back, escaping danger and facing poverty and Taliban restrictions.
Daily, around 2,000 Afghans, mostly women and children, arrive at Islam Qala border.
Aid is scarce, with the U.N. funding only 10% of its Afghanistan response.
The war has driven up prices, deepening poverty for returnees.