Taliban

The aid worker, from Lewis, was kidnapped by the Taliban and died in an attempted rescue by US forces in October 2010.

But those living in Afghanistan are faced with a series of restrictions brought in by the Taliban government in line with its strict interpretation of Sharia law.

In one cable, diplomats in the Middle East communicated concerns that stopping aid could empower groups like the Taliban and undermine efforts to address terrorism, the narcotics trade and illegal immigration.

Afghan commandos, known as the Triples, supported the SAS and SBS for years in Afghanistan and were in danger of reprisal after the Taliban seized back the country in 2021.

Some of those denied visas were subsequently tortured and killed by the Taliban, according to former colleagues, family members and lawyers.