US urged to help more people escape Taliban-led Afghanistan
3 years, 1 month ago

US urged to help more people escape Taliban-led Afghanistan

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Members of the AfghanEvac Coalition met in a video call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to press the case for additional resources to help tens of thousands of people get out of Afghanistan, now faced with a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis in addition to a precarious security situation following the U.S. withdrawal. The AfghanEvac Coalition has urged the U.S. government to establish more of the “lilly pads,” and work with other nations to create more pathways for people to reach safety. Lucier and Shawn VanDiver, a founder of the coalition, said without providing specifics that they raised “specific stumbling blocks” and “choke points,” that are preventing people from reaching safety in the U.S. or elsewhere. Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee wrote Blinken on Monday seeking interviews with more than 30 State Department officials to address what they called the “many unanswered questions about the planning – or lack thereof – that preceded the drawdown and evacuation.” Those include the number of American citizens and residents still in Afghanistan and mechanisms for continued evacuations.

Afghanistan Coalition Taliban State Blinken American Citizens Tens Of Thousands Lucier  organizations  taliban  afghanistan  sign  help  talibanled  state  coalition  need  verifyerrors  american  urged  escape  citizens

History of this topic

The Taliban says foreigners in Afghanistan on previous government's visas can stay for now
4 months, 2 weeks ago

The Taliban says foreigners in Afghanistan on previous government's visas can stay for now

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Revealed: 1,500 Afghans scrambled to UK in secretive mission
1 year ago

Revealed: 1,500 Afghans scrambled to UK in secretive mission

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Defence minister James Heappey has said it is “great at …

More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order
1 year, 1 month ago

More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order

The Hindu  

More than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan in the month since its government ordered 1.7 million people to leave or face arrest and deportation, officials said Thursday. People must be allowed to return with dignity," the Taliban government's refugees minister Khalil Haqqani told AFP. "The constitution of Pakistan gives every person who is present on this soil the right to …

UN agency: Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in aid for 2023
1 year, 7 months ago

UN agency: Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in aid for 2023

Associated Press  

ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in humanitarian aid from the international community this year for nearly 24 million people in need, the U.N.'s humanitarian affairs agency said. Afghanistan is facing its third consecutive year of drought, its second year of severe economic hardship and the continued consequences of decades of war and natural disasters, the U.N. Office for the …

UN agency: Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in aid for 2023
1 year, 7 months ago

UN agency: Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in aid for 2023

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Afghanistan needs $4.62 billion in …

US working to assist Americans who want to leave Afghanistan: Antony Blinken
1 year, 9 months ago

US working to assist Americans who want to leave Afghanistan: Antony Blinken

Hindustan Times  

The US is working to assist 44 Americans who want to leave Afghanistan and numerous others who have been detained by the de facto authorities, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Khaama Press reported. Blinken was speaking before the Congress when members of the opposition Republican Party went on the offensive on the US exit from Afghanistan in 2021 …

‘Open and honest’ review of UK Afghanistan involvement required, say MPs
1 year, 10 months ago

‘Open and honest’ review of UK Afghanistan involvement required, say MPs

The Independent  

The government should hold an “open, honest and detailed review” of the UK’s involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 until the chaotic evacuation in 2021, MPs have said. Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood called the withdrawal, which came as Kabul fell to the Taliban and prompted much criticism of the British response, a “dark chapter in UK military history”. A review by …

U.S. changes focus to long-term residency for more Afghans
2 years, 3 months ago

U.S. changes focus to long-term residency for more Afghans

The Hindu  

The Biden administration said on Thursday that it is phasing out a program that aimed to give at-risk Afghans a quicker pathway to the U.S. through humanitarian relief but was criticised for its bureaucratic barriers and for ultimately leaving people's lives in legal limbo. Instead, starting October 1, the U.S. government said it would focus on beefing up efforts to …

Afghans who survived errant drone strike still waiting for visas promised by U.S.
2 years, 3 months ago

Afghans who survived errant drone strike still waiting for visas promised by U.S.

LA Times  

Family members and neighbors look over the wreckage of a vehicle struck by a U.S. drone in Kabul in August 2021, killing longtime aid worker Zemari Ahmadi and nine other civilians, including seven children. Many Afghans left behind “We left behind the vast majority of the Afghans we were attempting to evacuate, and haven’t really lifted a finger helping them …

Afghans "arbitrarily" selected for evacuation to NL; 480 still waiting 1 year later
2 years, 4 months ago

Afghans "arbitrarily" selected for evacuation to NL; 480 still waiting 1 year later

NL Times  

One year after the Taliban conquered Afghanistan, the Cabinet is still working to evacuate 480 Afghans who worked for Dutch organizations. The government wants to evacuate the 480 people still waiting within a month and a half, Minster Wopke Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs said in a letter to parliament last month. According to Trouw, the 480 people left behind are …

Afghanistan under the Taliban regime | In Focus podcast
2 years, 4 months ago

Afghanistan under the Taliban regime | In Focus podcast

The Hindu  

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has spoken of the “advancing erasure” of women from public life under a new look Taliban regime. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA as it is known, pointed out in a July report that seven hundred people have been killed and a …

Afghans evacuated to Albania protest for faster move to US
2 years, 6 months ago

Afghans evacuated to Albania protest for faster move to US

Associated Press  

TIRANA, Albania — A group of people evacuated from Afghanistan as the Taliban returned to power last year held a protest Wednesday in Albania over the failure to expedite their move to the United States. A small group of families in Shengjin, a town located 70 kilometers northwest of Albania’s capital, Tirana, called on the U.S. to speed up the …

Afghans still adjusting to US: New life, new struggles
2 years, 7 months ago

Afghans still adjusting to US: New life, new struggles

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Taliban forces had taken the Afghan capital. “We are not sure what may happen,” said Gulsom Esmaelzade, whose family has been shuttled between hotel rooms in the San Diego area since January, after spending three months at a New Jersey military base. “They are facing a ticking time bomb of what happens if they don’t get SIV or …

UK’s Kabul evacuation effort risked Afghan lives: Whistleblower
3 years ago

UK’s Kabul evacuation effort risked Afghan lives: Whistleblower

Al Jazeera  

A tiny fraction of Afghans who needed help received support and some were left to die at the Taliban’s hands, civil service staffer says. Marshall’s written evidence is due to be published by the committee on Tuesday, and its chairman, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, said the “failures betrayed our friends and allies and squandered decades of British and NATO effort.” …

EXPLAINER: What happened to the Afghanistan evacuation?
3 years ago

EXPLAINER: What happened to the Afghanistan evacuation?

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The evacuation of American citizens and others from Afghanistan didn’t end with the departure of the last U.S. troops on Aug. 30, but it did slow to a trickle. Most of the departures, however, have been carried out quietly for remaining American citizens, U.S. residents or people with the special immigrant visa for those who worked as military …

What’s next for Afghans who fled to the United States?
3 years, 1 month ago

What’s next for Afghans who fled to the United States?

Al Jazeera  

On Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 19:30 GMT: Thousands of Afghans who entered the United States after fleeing the Taliban in August now face the daunting challenge of resettling in a new place. Refugee assistance groups were not prepared for such a huge influx of people this summer, which was a result of the abrupt withdrawal of American troops from …

Most evacuation flights from Afghanistan this week have been canceled
3 years, 2 months ago

Most evacuation flights from Afghanistan this week have been canceled

CNN  

Washington CNN — Most evacuation flights scheduled to depart Afghanistan this week have been canceled, according to a State Department email sent to US citizens in the country on Monday that was reviewed by CNN. “We will continue our efforts to facilitate the safe and orderly travel of US citizens, LPRs, and Afghans to whom we have special commitments and …

Most Americans support resettling Afghans in US: Poll
3 years, 2 months ago

Most Americans support resettling Afghans in US: Poll

Al Jazeera  

AP-NORC poll shows Americans from across the political spectrum support resettling Afghan refugees in the country. Despite intense polarisation over immigration policies in the United States, a new poll released on Monday shows the majority of Americans are in favour of resettling Afghans who worked with US troops in Afghanistan. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found …

Pakistan to US: Abandoning Afghanistan risks humanitarian crisis
3 years, 3 months ago

Pakistan to US: Abandoning Afghanistan risks humanitarian crisis

Al Jazeera  

Pakistan repeats call for the world not to ‘abandon’ Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of that country. Pakistan has repeated its call for the world not to “abandon” Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of that country, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. A Pakistani foreign ministry …

About 200 foreigners, including Americans, fly out of Kabul
3 years, 3 months ago

About 200 foreigners, including Americans, fly out of Kabul

India TV News  

An estimated 200 foreigners, including Americans, left Afghanistan on a commercial flight out of Kabul on Thursday with the cooperation of the Taliban — the first such large-scale departure since U.S. forces completed their frantic withdrawal over a week ago. Ten U.S. citizens and 11 green-card holders made Thursday’s flight, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. In the U.S., National …

200 Westerners, Including Americans, Fly Out Of Kabul Under Taliban
3 years, 3 months ago

200 Westerners, Including Americans, Fly Out Of Kabul Under Taliban

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING KABUL, Afghanistan — Some 200 foreigners, including Americans, left Afghanistan on a commercial flight out of Kabul on Thursday, the first such large-scale departure since U.S. and other forces completed their frantic withdrawal over a week ago. A senior U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk to the media, provided …

From hard to worse: 'New' Taliban isolate battered, war-weary Afghanistan populace
3 years, 3 months ago

From hard to worse: 'New' Taliban isolate battered, war-weary Afghanistan populace

Firstpost  

Nearly 11 million people or nearly one-third of Afghanistan’s population face drought, displacement, poverty and a sharp increase in hostilities since the Taliban takeover Kabul, Afghanistan: Reminiscent of their previous harsh rule in the 1990s, the Taliban have already begun to wipe out some of Afghanistan’s gains of 20 years. The U.S. needs Taliban cooperation to evacuate the remaining Americans …

About 60,000 in Afghan evacuation brought to U.S.
3 years, 3 months ago

About 60,000 in Afghan evacuation brought to U.S.

The Hindu  

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says about 60,000 people have arrived in the country since August 17 from Afghanistan as part of the evacuation formally known as Operation Allies Welcome. DHS said in the latest updated released on Wednesday that 17% of those arrivals are U.S. citizens and permanent residents who were in Afghanistan when the government there fell …

Taliban must allow departures from Afghanistan, Blinken says
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban must allow departures from Afghanistan, Blinken says

Al Jazeera  

Top US diplomat criticises new Afghan government but says administration’s engagement with the Taliban will continue. The new Taliban-led Afghan government must live up to its commitments to allow safe passage for those looking to leave Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. Enabling the departures of people seeking to leave, “preventing terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as …

US working with Taliban to enable charter flight ops from Kabul, says Blinken
3 years, 3 months ago

US working with Taliban to enable charter flight ops from Kabul, says Blinken

Hindustan Times  

US secretary of state Antony Blinken, who is currently in Qatar, said on Tuesday that the state department is working with the Taliban to enable additional charter flights to operate from Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport for people wishing to leave Afghanistan. US secretary of state Antony Blinken said the Taliban have reiterated that they would allow people with travel …

Antony Blinken says U.S. working with Taliban on flights
3 years, 3 months ago

Antony Blinken says U.S. working with Taliban on flights

The Hindu  

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the State Department is working with the Taliban to facilitate additional charter flights from Kabul for people seeking to leave Afghanistan after the American military and diplomatic departure. Mr. Blinken said the Taliban have given assurances of safe passage for all seeking to leave Afghanistan with proper travel documents. Mr. Blinken said the …

US thanks several nations including India for their 'generous offers' to help during Afghanistan evacuation
3 years, 3 months ago

US thanks several nations including India for their 'generous offers' to help during Afghanistan evacuation

Firstpost  

The US State Department said that America is grateful to the global network of countries that have provided “critical assistance for our evacuation efforts” Washington: The United States has thanked several countries including India for their “generous offers” to help in a variety of ways regarding the relocation efforts for at-risk Afghans during critical evacuation operations from Afghanistan. “With support …

Taliban blocking hundreds from boarding charter evacuation flights out of Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban blocking hundreds from boarding charter evacuation flights out of Afghanistan

India Today  

An Afghan employee of an American organization in Afghanistan says the Taliban are blocking her and hundreds of other people from boarding charter evacuation flights out of Afghanistan. The woman is among several hundred people, reportedly including American citizens and green card holders, who say they have been waiting in large residence halls and hotels for more than a week …

In a first since August 31 pullout, four Americans evacuated from Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

In a first since August 31 pullout, four Americans evacuated from Afghanistan

Hindustan Times  

Less than a week after the US withdrew its last soldier from Afghanistan – ending its 20-year-long presence in the country — at least four Americans who were left behind were evacuated into a bordering nation, a US state department official told Reuters on Monday. Since the August 31 pull out, world organisations including Nato and European Council have been …

Hundreds wait for clearance to leave Afghanistan’s Mazar airport
3 years, 3 months ago

Hundreds wait for clearance to leave Afghanistan’s Mazar airport

Al Jazeera  

Afghan girls from a US-based NGO and a number of Americans among group that has been trying to leave for a week. Marina LeGree, the founder and executive director of a small US non-governmental organisation active in Afghanistan, said on Monday that some 600 to 1,300 people, including girls from her group, had been waiting near the Mazar-i-Sharif airport for …

US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans
3 years, 3 months ago

US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans

India TV News  

At least 50,000 Afghans are expected to be admitted into the United States following the fall of Kabul as part of an “enduring commitment” to help people who aided the American war effort and others who are particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, the secretary of homeland security said Friday. We will not rest until we have accomplished the ultimate goal.” …

US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans
3 years, 3 months ago

US expects to admit more than 50,000 evacuated Afghans

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — At least 50,000 Afghans are expected to be admitted into the United States following the fall of Kabul as part of an “enduring commitment” to help people who aided the American war effort and others who are particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, the secretary of homeland security said Friday. We will not rest until we have accomplished the …

US Expects To Admit More Than 50,000 Evacuated Afghans
3 years, 3 months ago

US Expects To Admit More Than 50,000 Evacuated Afghans

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — At least 50,000 Afghans are expected to be admitted into the United States following the fall of Kabul as part of an “enduring commitment” to help people who aided the American war effort and others who are particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, the secretary of homeland security said Friday. We will not rest until we …

26 Republicans demand Biden reveal how many Americans and allies are still stranded in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

26 Republicans demand Biden reveal how many Americans and allies are still stranded in Afghanistan

Daily Mail  

Senate Republicans on Thursday demanded the Biden administration reveal the number of special immigrant visa applicants left behind after a State Department official admitted it was a 'majority' of them. A State Department official told reporters on Wednesday that a 'majority' of SIV applicants did not make it out before the last US evacuation plane lifted its wheels. They requested …

UK in talks with Taliban to evacuate British citizens, Afghans
3 years, 3 months ago

UK in talks with Taliban to evacuate British citizens, Afghans

Al Jazeera  

Envoy travels to Doha for talks with Taliban on securing safe passage out of Afghanistan for remaining British nationals and allies. The United Kingdom has opened talks with the Taliban to secure “safe passage” out of Afghanistan for its citizens and Afghans who have worked for the British government. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s special representative for Afghan transition, Simon Gass, …

How Taliban helped in evacuation of US nationals from Kabul airport
3 years, 3 months ago

How Taliban helped in evacuation of US nationals from Kabul airport

India Today  

After 20 years of war in Afghanistan, the US pulled out its troops and citizens from Kabul on August 31. According to a CNN report, the secret arrangement with the Taliban allowed members of the militant group to escort US nationals to the gates of the Kabul international airport. Quoting a defence official, CNN reported that the US special operations …

‘Majority’ of Afghans who worked for the US and applied for visas were likely left behind, State Department official says
3 years, 3 months ago

‘Majority’ of Afghans who worked for the US and applied for visas were likely left behind, State Department official says

CNN  

CNN — “The majority” of Afghans who worked for the United States during its two-decade military campaign were likely left behind in the chaotic and rushed evacuation from Afghanistan, a senior State Department official said Wednesday. The official said they did not have a specific count of the Afghan Special Immigrant applicants and family members who did not make it …

‘We’re not asking permission’: US veteran launches major private operation to rescue remaining Afghan allies
3 years, 3 months ago

‘We’re not asking permission’: US veteran launches major private operation to rescue remaining Afghan allies

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We’re doing everything that we can to find …

August 31, 2021 Afghanistan-Taliban news
3 years, 3 months ago

August 31, 2021 Afghanistan-Taliban news

CNN  

The US military negotiated a secret arrangement with the Taliban that resulted in Taliban members escorting groups of Americans to the gates of the Kabul airport as they sought to escape Afghanistan, according to two defense officials. One of the officials also revealed that US special operations forces set up a “secret gate” at the airport and established “call centers” …

August 31, 2021 Afghanistan-Taliban news
3 years, 3 months ago

August 31, 2021 Afghanistan-Taliban news

CNN  

The US military negotiated a secret arrangement with the Taliban that resulted in Taliban members escorting groups of Americans to the gates of the Kabul airport as they sought to escape Afghanistan, according to two defense officials. One of the officials also revealed that US special operations forces set up a “secret gate” at the airport and established “call centers” …

US has moral obligation to aid Afghanistan, Afghan Americans say
3 years, 3 months ago

US has moral obligation to aid Afghanistan, Afghan Americans say

Al Jazeera  

Washington, DC – Afghan-American activist Halema Wali says she receives dozens of texts daily from people trying to flee Afghanistan. “While President Biden triumphs in withdrawing from one of the United States’ longest wars, it leaves behind … US citizens, legal permanent residents, visa holders and at-risk members of Afghan civil society,” Wali said during a virtual news conference on …

Biden speech transcript: US completes Afghanistan withdrawal
3 years, 3 months ago

Biden speech transcript: US completes Afghanistan withdrawal

Al Jazeera  

‘I believe this is the right decision, a wise decision and the best decision for America,’ Biden said. Here is the full transcript of Biden’s remarks: “Last night in Kabul, the United States ended 20 years of war in Afghanistan, the longest war in American history. Bit it did authorise the release of 5,000 prisoners last year, including some of …

Taliban members escorted Americans to gates at Kabul airport in secret arrangement with US
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban members escorted Americans to gates at Kabul airport in secret arrangement with US

CNN  

CNN — The US military negotiated a secret arrangement with the Taliban that resulted in members of the militant group escorting clusters of Americans to the gates of the Kabul airport as they sought to escape Afghanistan, two defense officials told CNN. One of the officials also revealed that US special operations forces set up a “secret gate” at the …

US flies more evacuees out as withdrawal deadline nears
3 years, 3 months ago

US flies more evacuees out as withdrawal deadline nears

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan entered its final hours Monday with the last Americans seeking to be evacuated and the U.S. military preparing to end its airlift and depart the Taliban-controlled capital. Senior administration officials said Sunday that the United States has the capacity to evacuate the approximately 300 U.S. citizens remaining in Afghanistan who want to leave …

U.S. has capacity to evacuate remaining Americans, says White House
3 years, 3 months ago

U.S. has capacity to evacuate remaining Americans, says White House

The Hindu  

The United States has the capacity to evacuate the approximately 300 U.S. citizens remaining in Afghanistan who want to leave before President Joe Biden's Tuesday deadline, senior Biden administration officials said, as another U.S. drone strike against suspected Islamic State militants underscored the grave threat in the war's final days. The evacuation flow of Americans kept pace even as a …

US investigating if civilians killed in Kabul airstrike after reports of child casualties emerge
3 years, 3 months ago

US investigating if civilians killed in Kabul airstrike after reports of child casualties emerge

Firstpost  

The US airstrike came after a suicide bomber from the Islamic State group on Thursday targeted US troops stopping huge crowds of people from entering the airport The United States is investigating whether civilians may have been killed in an airstrike it launched to destroy a car laden with explosives in the Afghan capital Kabul, a spokesman for US Central …

US prepares to wind down Kabul evacuation, Taliban says ready to take over airport
3 years, 3 months ago

US prepares to wind down Kabul evacuation, Taliban says ready to take over airport

India Today  

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport. A top U.S. official said the Biden administration expects the Taliban to continue allowing safe passage for Americans and others to leave Afghanistan after the U.S. military …

Biden administration pledges ‘safe passage’ for Americans in Afghanistan after withdrawal deadline
3 years, 3 months ago

Biden administration pledges ‘safe passage’ for Americans in Afghanistan after withdrawal deadline

CNN  

CNN — The Biden administration is committed to a “safe passage” of Americans and Afghans who helped the US government after the withdrawal deadline from Afghanistan, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday. After August 31st, we believe that we have substantial leverage to hold the Taliban to its commitments to allow safe passage for American citizens, legal permanent residents …

UK ends Kabul evacuations, calls troops home; haven't been able to bring everybody out, says officer
3 years, 3 months ago

UK ends Kabul evacuations, calls troops home; haven't been able to bring everybody out, says officer

India Today  

British troops have left Kabul, ending the UK's evacuation operation and its 20-year military involvement in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the “heroic” evacuation effort, even as the government acknowledged some eligible Afghan civilians had been left behind. The UK government said late Saturday that about 1,000 troops who ran an airlift of British nationals and Afghan civilians had …

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