Afghan family trapped in Istanbul airport after fleeing Taliban threats

Family of 16 had hoped to claim asylum in Russia, as thousands flee Afghanistan after troops withdrawal

Sixteen members of an Afghan family who fled Taliban death threats have been trapped in Istanbul airport for the past two weeks, and thousands more refugees are making their way overland seeking safety in Turkey, as the security situation in Afghanistan rapidly deteriorates after the withdrawal of US and Nato forces.

The family, from Herat city, decided to leave the country in June after a relative was shot and killed on the street by Taliban forces. Several of them work with international aid organisations on issues such as women's rights, and have continued to face threats.