Former British Army interpreter's plea to rescue family in Afghanistan after father shot by Taliban

Watch the full interview with the former interpreter and paratrooper on Good Morning Britain

An interpreter who served in the British Army in Afghanistan has spoken of his family's desperate bid to flee the country after his father was shot.

The Taliban killed Naj Baghlani's father because of the help he gave to British troops during the Battle of Musa Qala.

Fearing for the safety of the rest of his family still in Afghanistan, he enlisted the help of Milford Haven-based former Sargent Ian Wornham.

Naj told Good Morning Britain: "They just drove to our house and knocked the door - my dad opened the door and they just started shooting him. It was really desperate and the whole family had to run and escape for their lives."

The reason the Taliban gave for the attack was Naj's previous work with "foreign forces".

Naj and Ian worked closely together during The Battle of Musa Qala. Credit: GMB

"I was honoured and proud to serve with the British Army in Afghanistan and if I had an opportunity to complete such a mission I'd do it again."

Naj fled Afghanistan in 2010. Desperate to get the rest of his family out, he contacted Ian - who he worked closely with during the battle The Battle of Musa Qala.

The Battle of Musa Qala was a British-led military action in Helmand Province against the Taliban on 7 December 2007. After three days of intense fighting, the Taliban retreated into the mountains.

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The former Sergeant managed to contact troops on the ground who hid Naj's family in a hotel until they could get them on a flight.

"What manner of men would we be if we left our colleagues behind?" Ian told GMB.

"I messaged the parachute registrant secretary hoping he'd have contact with the guys on the ground that would hopefully be able to get Nat's family out."

Reflecting on his time in the armed forces, Ian said: "It was a hard battle and we couldn't have done our job without Naj - he was key in intercepting the Taliban.

"I don't think people of the UK realise that people like Naj and the other interpreters - they save lives."

Naj's family are safe and due to arrive in the UK soon.