Conflict
Crisis/Conflict/Terrorism
Taliban detains three British nationals in Afghanistan

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 02 Apr 2023, 06:18 am Print

Taliban detains three British nationals in Afghanistan

Image: Xinhua/UNI

Kabul: A non-profit organization has claimed that three British men have been detained by the Taliban, a force that has been forcefully ruling Afghanistan since 2021, in the war-torn nation.

"Presidium Network has been working closely with 2 of the families concerning their detention by the GDI and in support of finding a resolution and release for the detainees," the organization tweeted.

Scott Richards from the Presidium Network named one of the men as Kevin Cornwell, 53, from Middlesbrough, reports BBC.

Richards said Cornwell and another unnamed man had been arrested in January.  

He said another person was also arrested on a different date.

The UK government is "in negotiations" over three Britons held by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the British home secretary has told Sky News.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "If there are risks to people's safety, if they're a British citizen abroad, then the UK government is going to do whatever it takes to ensure that they're safe.

"The government is in negotiations and working hard to ensure people's safety is upheld."

Asked directly if the government was in negotiations over the three men, Ms Braverman replied: "If there are problems and if there are safety concerns to British individuals abroad, then the FCO will be working actively to ensure people are safe."

She added that anybody travelling to dangerous parts of the world "should take the utmost caution" and should always act on the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The travel advisory issued by the  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for Afghanistan reads: "You should not travel to Afghanistan."

"The security situation in Afghanistan remains extremely volatile. There is an ongoing and high threat of terrorist attacks through Afghanistan, including around the airport. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous, and border crossings may not be open. See ‘Safety and security’," read the advisory.

"There are currently no British consular officials in Afghanistan and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person within Afghanistan," it said.

"If you choose to travel to or stay in Afghanistan against FCDO advice, you should keep a low profile. Be vigilant, try to avoid all crowds and public events including religious events, and take appropriate security precautions," the advisory said.