For decades, millions of Afghans fleeing war, persecution, and poverty have sought refuge in neighboring Iran.

But crossing the 921-kilometer-long border has become increasingly dangerous for many Afghans as the Iranian authorities violently crack down on illegal migrants.

At least 10 Afghans were shot dead by Iranian border guards on December 1, according to Taliban officials, after they entered Iran illegally from western Afghanistan's Farah Province.

It's the latest in a growing number of deadly incidents where Afghan refugees and migrants have been shot and killed after crossing into Iran.

'Dead Bodies'

The bodies of the slain Afghans were handed over to their families on December 2. Taliban officials said the 10 Afghans were killed while trying to cross the border during the night. Two members of the group are still missing, they said.

The deaths triggered angry protests in Herat, the largest city in western Afghanistan. Protestors, some of whom knew the victims, said they were young men who were seeking jobs in Iran to provide for their impoverished families back home.