Ankara unsettled by role in US program to relocate Afghans

Washington unveiled a program Monday for Afghan refugees to seek asylum in the United States via third countries, including Turkey, raising criticism from Ankara officials who fear the move could fuel a new migration crisis.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks about refugee programs for Afghans who aided the United States, during a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 2, 2021, in Washington, DC.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks about refugee programs for Afghans who aided the United States, during a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 2, 2021, in Washington, DC. - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
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Diego Cupolo
@diegocupolo

ISTANBUL — Ankara officials are condemning a US program to resettle Afghan refugees via third countries, including Turkey, saying the move could spark a new migration crisis in the region and overburden the nation, which currently hosts more than 4 million displaced people.

On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled a relocation plan for thousands of Afghans who may be targeted by the Taliban for their affiliation with US organizations, as American troops complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan following 20 years of war.

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