Afghan special forces soldiers who fought alongside American troops and then fled to Iran after the chaotic US withdrawal last year are being recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine, according to three former Afghan generals.
The recruitment comes as Russian forces reel from Ukrainian military advances and Russian President Vladimir Putin pursues a sputtering mobilisation effort which has prompted nearly 200,000 Russian men to flee the country to escape service.
The US Department of Defense also did not reply to a request for comment, but a senior official suggested the recruitment was not surprising given that Wagner had been trying to sign up soldiers in several other countries.It is unclear how many Afghan special forces members who fled to Iran have been courted by the Russians. However, one said he was communicating through the WhatsApp chat service with about 400 other commandos who were considering offers.
Afghan commandos say they have been offered $1,500-a-month payments and safety for them and their families.
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