From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: In the desolate Nimruz Province of Afghanistan, which straddles the country’s borders with Iran and Pakistan, smugglers have long dominated the economy. Now, as hundreds of thousands of Afghans try to flee their Taliban-controlled homeland, business has flourished for the kingpins of the trade.
The New York Times reporters spent 24 hours with one of a handful of leading smugglers, referred to only as H. because of the illegal nature of his business. His efforts to transport migrants into Iran showcased the frenetic atmosphere that has recently energized this southwest region of Afghanistan.
Fearing an influx of Afghans after the Taliban seized power, Iran bolstered its security forces at the border. The Taliban, too, have tried to shut down H.’s route, raiding safe houses and patrolling the desert. Still, smugglers are undeterred.
“The Taliban cannot shut down our business. If they tighten security, we will just charge more and get more money,” H. said. “We’re always one step ahead.”
Atmosphere: With migrants regularly looking to flee from the Taliban or the country’s economic collapse, Zaranj, a city in which nearly everyone is connected to the smuggling trade, is lively. Newcomers buy kebabs from street vendors, peruse shops and sit around plastic tables, eager to learn more about the grueling journey ahead.
