Taliban says Afghans stuck in Qatar who helped US in war can safely return home

Afghanistan's Taliban government has stated that Afghans who aided the US war effort and are currently in Qatar can safely return home. This announcement follows reports of US discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo about potentially resettling over 1,100 Afghans who have been at a US base in Doha for a year. The Taliban foreign ministry insists Afghanistan is their homeland and welcomes their return with confidence, asserting there are no security threats. However, these Afghans fear reprisals for their past assistance to the US. The State Department confirmed it is exploring options for voluntary resettlement in a third country but did not name specific nations. The affected Afghans reportedly learned of the relocation talks through media reports, not from US officials.

The Trump administration is considering sending up to 1,100 Afghans who aided US forces during the war in Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The group includes interpreters and relatives of US military members, as well as over 400 children. They were evacuated to Qatar for protection after supporting US military efforts in their home country, which is now under Taliban control. The DRC is experiencing a displacement crisis, with 8.2 million people displaced as of September 2025. The US could potentially resettle the eligible Afghans in the US, while others may be accepted by other countries. The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to allow previously qualified Afghans to enter the country, according to AfghanEvac president Shawn VanDiver.