News

Actions

Afghan women missing from UVA found trying to cross into Canada

Posted at 1:40 PM, Jun 13, 2012
and last updated 2012-06-13 14:49:58-04

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WTVR) - The FBI has located three of the four Afghan women who disappeared from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville attempting to cross the Canadian border. The women came to America as part of a trip to learn about how governments and the law work in order to help their home country.

The women suddenly disappeared from the group of young Afghan professionals last week, composed of doctors and lawyers in their 20's and 30's.

Now, a U.S. official tells CNN three of the women were found Tuesday trying to cross the border into Canada.  Diplomatic sources tell CNN there have been previous cases of individuals  disappearing from similar  exchange programs--mostly people who want a better life in the U.S., and are trying to seek asylum.

The state department sponsored the program the young women were participating in. They say they're happy the women have been recovered safely, and stress that they never though the women themselves were dangerous.

Officials also revealed some of the program participants expressed concern that their taking part  in the program could endanger their lives when they returned home to Afghanistan.

The search continues for the missing fourth woman.