Self-Immolation of a Former Afghan National Army Pilot in Mashhad

The recent wave of forced deportations threatens to drive hundreds, even thousands, of these former security forces into despair and potentially death.

According to Mohajir Times: In a tragic incident in the Iranian city of Mashhad, a 40-year-old man—reportedly a former pilot in the Afghan National Army—set himself on fire and lost his life after receiving a deportation notice from Iranian authorities.

Image of Mohammad Amir Tavassoli

However, reports published by Iranian media outlets failed to mention the identity or nationality of the victim. News agencies such as ISNA and Mehr News merely reported the event in the following manner:

“Hamidreza Kafinia, Director of the Mashhad Fire Department and Emergency Services, confirmed the news, stating that approximately 12:52 PM on Sunday, May 18, a report was received regarding a fire in a residential home in the Golshahr neighborhood of Mashhad. He added that upon the arrival of emergency teams and an initial investigation, it was determined that the fire had been caused by the self-immolation of a 40-year-old man. Kafinia noted that the flames had been extinguished before the rescue teams arrived, but unfortunately, the man succumbed to severe burns and died at the scene.”

Census sheet of Mohammad Amir Tavassoli

While detailed information regarding the motive behind the act has not been officially released, some sources have pointed to deportation-related issues as a possible reason for the man’s desperate decision. Afghan migrants in Iran who possess temporary census sheets have recently been informed by the Iranian government that they must leave the country. Failure to comply with this order could result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

These census sheets—once issued by Iranian authorities to Afghan migrants and refugees—have now been declared invalid nationwide. Many recipients of these documents were former soldiers, commanders, and personnel of the Afghan National Army who had fled to Iran following the collapse of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban group to power. The recent wave of forced deportations threatens to drive hundreds, even thousands, of these former security forces into despair and potentially death.

In a photo of the census sheet that has been circulated on social media and public platforms, it is stated that Mohammad Amir Tavasoli is an Afghan national.

---