An Afghan interpreter who risked his life supporting British troops has accused the UK government of betrayal following confirmation that a Ministry of Defence data breach exposed his personal information to potential Taliban threats.
The man, identified by the pseudonym Ali for security reasons, worked closely with British soldiers in Helmand Province, translating for military units and intercepting Taliban communications. His crucial role made him a high-value target for insurgents.
“They [the Taliban] called us the British eyes,” he told Sky News. “We were always the first target, and our job was always full of risk.”
In 2021, after surviving a Taliban car bomb attack, Ali was evacuated to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).
However, he became alarmed after his father was reportedly taken into custody and beaten by the Taliban — an incident that he believes stemmed from the unauthorised exposure of his data.
Although he raised concerns with the Ministry of Defence in 2023, warning he was “terrified” and begging officials to protect his information, Ali says his pleas were ignored. “They never replied,” he said.
The breach, which occurred three years ago, has now been confirmed. Ali fears it has placed his family, who remain in hiding in Afghanistan, in grave danger.
“My family’s details have been shared with the Taliban intelligence forces, and now they are looking for them,” he said. “Every day, every single minute, my family’s waiting for their death.”
Ali has made two unsuccessful attempts to secure UK relocation for his family. Feeling abandoned, he says he’s now prepared to return to Afghanistan himself if that’s what it takes to protect his loved ones.
“I have carried the body of the British soldier,” he said. “I feel betrayed by the British government. They should relocate my family to a safe place.”
“If we don’t win [the case], I want to go back to Afghanistan and finish this… The Taliban want me. If the British government can’t save my family, then I have this one responsibility to go and save them.”
Sky News has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.
Editing by M10News World Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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