World in 10 Kill list and cover-up - behind the Afghan data leak
Jul 19, 2025
Larisa Brown, Defence editor at The Times and author of 'The Gardener of Lashkar Ghar', dives deep into a troubling UK military data leak that potentially revealed a 'kill list' to the Taliban. She shares her relentless pursuit of the truth amidst government attempts to cover it up. The conversation highlights the dire consequences for Afghan allies left vulnerable after the Taliban's takeover, failures in relocation efforts, and the urgent need for governmental accountability in providing safety and support for those affected.
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Afghan Facebook Leak Revealed
- An Afghan posted a Facebook message revealing a database of 33,000 applications, sparking alarm among Afghans in the group.
- This leak risked exposing up to 100,000 people connected to UK asylum claims and placed lives in danger.
Soldier's Mistake Spread Leak
- A British soldier mistakenly sent the sensitive list to Afghans in the UK, who forwarded it further to Afghanistan.
- The soldier did not realize the scope of what he was sharing, causing the widespread leak.
Afghans Learned Danger From Activists
- Most Afghans affected by the leak were never informed about it by the UK government.
- Many had to learn about their danger through activists, increasing their fear and uncertainty.