Milad Ahani: My life had truly reached a dead end in those days…
Phenomena such as joining armed groups, especially in developing and crisis-stricken societies, are subjects that require in-depth sociological and psychological examination. These types of affiliations usually stem from a combination of individual, social, and economic factors that drive individuals towards such groups. In this regard, the life story of individuals like Milad Ahani (son of Adel, born on May 1st, 1992, in Saqqez) can represent a common pattern among young people who, due to unfavorable social, economic, and family circumstances, seek a new identity and hope for a change in their situation. Insufficient education, a lack of interest in continuing studies, and entry into the informal labor market are among the factors that can lead to feelings of identitylessness and despair in individuals. Additionally, family and social problems, such as physical altercations with parents and the need for shelter, can push individuals towards paramilitary groups and their deceptive propaganda. These groups attract such individuals with appealing promises and by offering a sense of belonging. In this interview, we will examine the experience of Milad Ahani, who was influenced by the propaganda of the KOMALA group and joined it in pursuit of resolving his personal and social problems. Analyzing this experience can help us gain a better understanding of the social and psychological dynamics influencing individual choices in crisis situations.
Milad Ahani entered the country on May 15th, 2023, and surrendered himself to the Iranian border and law enforcement forces. He completed his primary education at Abu Ali Sina School, his middle school education at Besat School, and his high school education at Andisheh High School. Due to a lack of interest in studying, he moved to Tehran and worked in jobs such as waitering and drywalling. Mr. Ahani has also experienced an unsuccessful marriage that ended in divorce. He became acquainted with and captivated by the deceptive propaganda of the KOMALA armed group through an Instagram page containing promotional posts and a phone number for contacting the group. Milad Ahani joined KOMALA due to severe family problems and disagreements, financial difficulties, physical altercations with his parents, the need for shelter to continue living, and fear of arrests related to the events of 2022.
Question: Please start by telling us about yourself. Where were you born, and how was your childhood and education?
Milad Ahani: I am from Saqqez. I spent my primary school years at Abu Ali Sina School and then went to Besat School, where I also completed middle school. For high school, I went to Andisheh High School, but I never had any interest in studying. It was clear from the beginning that my path was not going to be one of school and education. I failed several subjects and ultimately couldn’t get my diploma; I essentially flunked out. Honestly, there was no one in my family to show me the right path! I didn’t receive any academic support or guidance from my family either.
Question: What path did you take after dropping out of school?
Milad Ahani: When I saw that continuing my education was pointless, I decided to go to Tehran. I started working there. First, I worked as a waiter in a restaurant, and after a while, I took up drywalling. It was hard work, but I had to earn a living. Life in Tehran isn’t easy, especially when you don’t have anyone to support you. It was just me, myself, and I! No one was sending me money! I was alone and always had to work.
Question: It’s mentioned that you were also married. Could you please tell us about that as well?
Milad Ahani: Yes, I was married once, but unfortunately, it ended in failure very quickly. At the time, I thought marriage might bring some stability to my life, but neither was I ready, nor did the other person understand my difficult circumstances. After the separation, everything became harder for me; everything fell apart, both emotionally and financially. Financial issues, emotional breakdown, aimlessness, unemployment, and a poor financial situation severely bothered me. I had no counselor and no good friend who could help or guide me.
Question: How did you become acquainted with the KOMALA group?
Milad Ahani: Through Instagram. To be honest, there was a page that constantly advertised about freedom, a better future, and the struggle for the rights of the Kurdish people. Since I had nowhere else to turn, I called one of the numbers on that page one day. I thought maybe it was really a new path, a shelter, and a new life. But I didn’t know what darkness I was entering. I was truly deceived. In KOMALA, there was no sign of freedom or a better future! We had no money and no freedom!
Question: What circumstances led you to be attracted to their propaganda?
Milad Ahani: My life had truly reached a dead end in those days. I had run away from home and had severe disagreements with my parents. I even got into a physical fight with my father once. On the other hand, like many others, I was present during the events of 2022, and afterwards, I was afraid of being arrested. I had nowhere to go; no home, no family to support me, and not enough money. That’s why those advertisements appealed to me and seemed like a savior from the outside. In reality, KOMALA and groups like KOMALA exploit the desperation and helplessness of young people like me.
Question: What was the process of you joining KOMALA like?
Milad Ahani: After I called the contact number they had given me, a member of KOMALA contacted me. He told me that if I could get myself to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, they could help me. I had no acquaintances or capital, and I set off solely based on their promises. After enduring many hardships, I managed to leave Iran. When I reached the region, everything seemed fine at first, but I soon realized that the situation was completely different.
Question: What do you mean? What disappointed you?
Milad Ahani: Everything was truly a deception. There was no freedom. I had to get permission even for simple tasks. The military and political training was very difficult, and the controls were strict. A climate of distrust completely prevailed, and members were constantly afraid of each other. There was no personal privacy, and the sanitary and food conditions were very poor. I saw several people get sick due to the bad conditions, and I myself had serious problems a few times. There was no ideal there, and no future. It was just a waste of time and exploitation of desperate people.
Question: What made you decide to leave?
Milad Ahani: One day, I sat down and thought to myself. I came to the conclusion that I had no way back and no way forward. I realized that this was not my place. I am not a person of war and conflict, nor am I one for political games. I was just looking for a simple life; the very thing they had deceived me with their appealing slogans. So, I decided to escape. It was very difficult because within the group, they constantly talked about the dangers of returning to Iran and said that anyone who returned would be tortured or executed. But I had put fear aside, and I had to get out of that hell.
Question: How did your return to Iran happen?
Milad Ahani: On August 16th, 2023, I surrendered myself to the Iranian forces. Contrary to all the lies they had told me in KOMALA, I was not treated badly at all. The officers treated me with respect, and only a series of natural questions and administrative procedures were carried out. It wasn’t at all as scary as I had imagined. After the initial investigation, I was also released.
Question: What are you doing now? And how do you see your future?
Milad Ahani: I am currently working in a construction workshop. I have returned to being a laborer, but this time with a more open mind and experiences that have made me better recognize reality and identify deception. Life is still difficult, but at least there are no more lies involved. I am living by my own hard work, and I hope that little by little, I can make up for the past.
Question: If you could give a message to young people who might be in similar circumstances to you, what would you say?
Milad Ahani: I just want to say, don’t be fooled by appearances. No armed group is going to be the savior of your life. They are looking for people who are wounded, hopeless, and easily deceived. They only give slogans, but behind these slogans, there is nothing but lies, exploitation, and destruction. Real salvation only happens when you want it yourself, not when you entrust yourself to those who don’t value you even in the slightest.
