US deports nearly 20 migrants, including Iranians, to conflict-hit Central African Republic

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has deported a group of around 20 migrants, including nationals from Afghanistan, Iran and other countries, to the Central African Republic, a conflict-affected nation in central Africa, according to media reports. The deportees reportedly include two Iranian women, among them a pro-democracy activist who had fled to the United States and was granted legal protection by a US immigration court, immigration lawyers said. The Central African Republic, one of the world’s poorest countries, has long been affected by armed conflict, political instability and human rights violations. The US State Department has classified it as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” destination, advising citizens against visiting the country under any circumstances due to risks of violence, kidnapping, terrorism and crime. According to the State Department advisory, the security situation in the country remains highly volatile, with ongoing threats from armed groups and widespread lawlessness. An unnamed US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said migrants from Armenia and Iraq were also among those deported, though further details regarding the operation have not been officially released. Araghchi hints at changes in MoU as US-Iran peace deal enters final stages