The Afghan interpreters left behind by Australia

Talking to the locals - Australians talk to local children through an Afghan interpreter while on patrol in Chora, Southern Afghanistan. Source: 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit

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More than 100,000 Afghans have died in 17 years of war in Afghanistan, a conflict that also left 41 Australians dead. When Australia withdrew from combat operations there in 2014, it promised to protect the Afghan interpreters who, indeed, had protected its soldiers. But, four years later, despite hundreds of interpreters and their families receiving refugee visas for Australia, SBS has tracked down others still waiting -- and fearful.

After 17 years, the war in Afghanistan has left more than 100,000 Afghans dead and Taliban militants still fighting to topple the government for control of the country.

Australia withdrew from combat operations in 2014 after intervening as part of a United States-led coalition and losing 41 soldiers itself.

But that figure would be far higher if not for the help of the Afghan interpreters who worked for the Australian army.

And when Australia withdrew, it promised to bring the interpreters to safety, too.

Under a special program, more than 900 interpreters and family members have, indeed, received refugee visas, but, four years after the promise, others remain behind.

SBS Radio's Pashto program has tracked down a man named Farhad, an interpreter who describes once carrying an injured Australian soldier back to camp and later receiving a personal phone call of thanks from the man's family.

Please listen to the full report in Pashto language.