The Story The Afghan leak: what next?
Jul 21, 2025
Tom Witherow, a News and special projects reporter for The Times, discusses the alarming repercussions of a leaked list of Afghan allies who assisted British forces. He reveals the horrifying impact on safety, including tragic cases of targeted violence. The conversation dives into the political ramifications and accountability following the leak, as well as the dire situation of stranded Afghans left vulnerable and unprotected. With each revelation, the need for transparency and support for those affected becomes ever more urgent.
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Tragic Killing Linked to Data Leak
- An Afghan triple, equivalent to UK special forces, lost his brother to Taliban assassins after the leak. - The Taliban made threats to stop those on the list from leaving and targeted individuals by name.
Leaked Data Endangers UK Operatives
- The leaked data included UK special forces, MI6 spies, and senior military officers' personal information. - This information aids hostile groups like the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and nation-state adversaries in identifying key targets.
Secrecy Blocks Accountability
- The government's secrecy over the leak prevented MPs and the Intelligence and Security Committee from proper oversight. - Questions are rising over why security officials withheld this information from elected representatives and the public.