KABUL, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have recovered the bodies of five Afghan nationals who were attempting to cross illegally into neighboring Iran through the deserts of western Nimroz province, while 14 others remain missing, local broadcaster TOLOnews reported on Sunday.

Trucks remain stalled at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border, amid cross-border clashes in northwest Pakistan's Torkham, Oct. 13, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The victims were among a group of 19 people who had reportedly set out through remote desert areas spanning Helmand and Nimroz provinces in an attempt to enter Iran.

According to the report, the group is believed to have become lost in the harsh desert terrain, where extreme heat and dehydration are suspected to have caused the deaths.

Security forces have launched search operations to locate the remaining 14 missing individuals as rescue efforts continue.