US sending around 650 troops to Afghanistan to protect forces as they withdraw
3 years, 7 months ago

US sending around 650 troops to Afghanistan to protect forces as they withdraw

CNN  

CNN — The Pentagon is assembling a force of around 650 troops to send to Afghanistan in the coming days to protect US forces as they withdraw from the country, according to several defense officials. On Sunday, Gen. Austin Scott Miller, commander of US Forces Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, said some troops were being moved within the country. It’s not yet clear if special operations forces already in Afghanistan that are involved in counter-terrorism missions will be among the last to depart so the US has the crucial time to develop a plan on how to continue to conduct counter-terror operations when all forces have left the country. Last week, the senior US general responsible for US troops in the Middle East made clear that the US intends to maintain military influence and the ability to carry out air strikes in Afghanistan after American and NATO troops are withdrawn.

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History of this topic

Republicans probe chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan
1 year, 11 months ago

Republicans probe chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

About 2,500 US soldiers died in Afghanistan, a conflict that became the longest war the United States fought. Republican legislators have launched an investigation into the chaotic United States military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which allowed an immediate takeover by the Taliban and led to scenes of thousands of desperate people storming Kabul airport, some clinging to departing US planes as …

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 …

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.” …

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 troops in final phase of pullout from Afghanistan, Taliban prepare govt
3 years, 3 months ago

US troops in final phase of pullout from Afghanistan, Taliban prepare govt

Live Mint  

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. Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters. Britain's last …

Ahead of August 31 deadline, Taliban deploy extra forces around Kabul airport
3 years, 3 months ago

Ahead of August 31 deadline, Taliban deploy extra forces around Kabul airport

India Today  

The Taliban deployed extra forces around Kabul's airport Saturday to prevent large crowds from gathering after a devastating suicide attack two days earlier, as the massive US-led airlift wound down ahead of an August 31 deadline. The economic crisis, which predates the Taliban takeover earlier this month, could give Western nations leverage as they urge Afghanistan's new rulers to form …

Afghanistan crisis: US says up to 1,500 Americans await airlift as threats grow
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan crisis: US says up to 1,500 Americans await airlift as threats grow

India TV News  

The United States says as many as 1,500 Americans may be awaiting evacuation from Afghanistan amid growing warnings Thursday of terrorist threats targeting the Kabul airport as President Joe Biden's deadline for withdrawing troops fast approaches. British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told the BBC that there was ”very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport, possibly …

First US troops have started leaving Afghanistan as Biden decides not to extend withdrawal deadline
3 years, 4 months ago

First US troops have started leaving Afghanistan as Biden decides not to extend withdrawal deadline

CNN  

CNN — Several hundred US troops have left Afghanistan, on the same day President Joe Biden decided not to extend the August 31 evacuation deadline, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby confirmed Tuesday evening. White House press secretary Jen Psaki had said in a statement earlier Tuesday that “The President conveyed that our mission in Kabul will end based on the …

US leads an increasingly desperate effort to airlift thousands
3 years, 4 months ago

US leads an increasingly desperate effort to airlift thousands

Al Jazeera  

US troops are leading an increasingly desperate effort to airlift thousands of people out of Kabul after the Taliban warned they would allow foreign forces to carry out evacuations for just one more week. US President Joe Biden said on Sunday he would not rule out extending the evacuation beyond August 31 deadline to withdraw foreign forces. But the Taliban …

ISIS threat forces US to release security advisory for its citizens in Kabul
3 years, 4 months ago

ISIS threat forces US to release security advisory for its citizens in Kabul

India TV News  

US will release a security advisory for its citizens in Kabul asking them to avoid travelling to the Kabul airport unless they receive instructions from the government. "Because of potential security threats outside the gates at the Kabul airport, we are advising US citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates at this time unless you …

British military says seven Afghans killed at Kabul airport, US commercial planes to help transport evacuees
3 years, 4 months ago

British military says seven Afghans killed at Kabul airport, US commercial planes to help transport evacuees

ABC  

The Taliban have fired shots in the air and used batons to make people line up in orderly queues outside Kabul airport, one day after seven people were killed in a crush at the gates. Key points: The US Embassy issued a new security warning for citizens not to travel to the Kabul airport without individual instruction The Taliban's top …

US role in resettling Afghans becomes next political battle in the fallout over US withdrawal
3 years, 4 months ago

US role in resettling Afghans becomes next political battle in the fallout over US withdrawal

CNN  

CNN — As the Biden administration scrambles to coordinate the evacuations of Americans and vulnerable Afghans from Afghanistan, the next political battle is already shaping up over how expansive the US role should be in helping to resettle tens of thousands of Afghans amid new ripples of anti-immigrant sentiment from the far right. Larry Hogan, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, Texas …

Biden to address chaotic Kabul evacuation amid criticism
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden to address chaotic Kabul evacuation amid criticism

India TV News  

Facing a firestorm of criticism, President Joe Biden plans to speak Friday about the chaotic evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan as the U.S. struggles with obstacles ranging from armed Taliban checkpoints to paperwork problems. While Biden has previously blamed Afghans for the U.S. failure to get out more allies ahead of this month's sudden Taliban takeover, U.S. officials …

August 19, 2021, Afghanistan-Taliban news
3 years, 4 months ago

August 19, 2021, Afghanistan-Taliban news

CNN  

People wait to leave Kabul airport on August 16. Here’s what some countries have said so far: United States: Biden on Wednesday suggested for the first time that he’s willing to keep US forces in Afghanistan until all American citizens who want to leave are out of the country, but stopped short of making the same commitment to the United …

August 19, 2021, Afghanistan-Taliban news
3 years, 4 months ago

August 19, 2021, Afghanistan-Taliban news

CNN  

People wait to leave Kabul airport on August 16. Here’s what some countries have said so far: United States: Biden on Wednesday suggested for the first time that he’s willing to keep US forces in Afghanistan until all American citizens who want to leave are out of the country, but stopped short of making the same commitment to the United …

Biden: Troops will stay in Afghanistan to evacuate Americans
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden: Troops will stay in Afghanistan to evacuate Americans

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he is committed to keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan until every American is evacuated, even if that means maintaining a military presence there beyond his Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal. In an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Biden said the U.S. will do “everything in our power” to evacuate Americans and …

Deadline for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan may extend beyond August 31, says Biden
3 years, 4 months ago

Deadline for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan may extend beyond August 31, says Biden

India Today  

The deadline for US troops to completely withdraw from Afghanistan may be extended beyond August 31, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. READ: Biden administration suspends all arms sales to Taliban-held Afghanistan President Biden's statement came on a day when the Pentagon said US military does not have the ability to reach people beyond the Kabul airport. Reiterating his stance …

US scrambles to evacuate citizens and allies from Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

US scrambles to evacuate citizens and allies from Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

A top US general says the collapse of Afghan forces in 11 days against the Taliban offensive was not foreseeable. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said US officials are working around the clock at the airport in Kabul in an “enormously challenging and fluid situation” to ensure a safe departure for those seeking to leave the country. Passage to …

Extraordinary Photo Shows 640 Afghans Fleeing Kabul On Packed U.S. Plane
3 years, 4 months ago

Extraordinary Photo Shows 640 Afghans Fleeing Kabul On Packed U.S. Plane

Huff Post  

A striking new photograph shows 640 Afghans packed tightly into a U.S. plane leaving Kabul in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban. The Taliban have torn through Afghanistan in a matter of days, filling the power vacuum left by the U.S. troops who pulled out of the country after spending 20 years fighting the so-called “war on terror.” We …

US secures Kabul airport perimeter, approves 6,000 troops to help with evacuations
3 years, 4 months ago

US secures Kabul airport perimeter, approves 6,000 troops to help with evacuations

Hindustan Times  

The US military on Monday secured the perimeter of Kabul airport as its diplomats were being evacuated from war-torn Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover, news agency AFP reported citing the state department. The US embassy in Kabul has also been completely evacuated, the department also informed hours after the Taliban insurgents captured the presidential palace in the capital city. "All …

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden authorized an additional 1,000 U.S. troops for deployment to Afghanistan, raising to roughly 5,000 the number of U.S. troops to ensure what Biden called an “orderly and safe drawdown” of American and allied personnel. The last-minute decision to re-insert thousands of U.S. troops into Afghanistan reflected the dire state of security as the Taliban seized …

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden authorized on Saturday an additional 1,000 U.S. troops for deployment to Afghanistan, raising to roughly 5,000 the number of U.S. troops to ensure what Biden called an “orderly and safe drawdown” of American and allied personnel. The last-minute decision to re-insert thousands of U.S. troops into Afghanistan reflected the dire state of security as the …

Joe Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure
3 years, 4 months ago

Joe Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure

India TV News  

President Joe Biden authorised on Saturday an additional 1,000 US troops for deployment to Afghanistan, raising to roughly 5,000 the number of US troops to ensure what Biden called an orderly and safe drawdown of American and allied personnel. The last-minute decision to re-insert thousands of US troops into Afghanistan reflected the dire state of security as the Taliban seized …

Biden authorizes 1,000 more troops to be sent to Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden authorizes 1,000 more troops to be sent to Afghanistan

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden announced the authorization of an additional direct deployment of 1,000 troops to Afghanistan in a statement Saturday. Biden said he authorized the deployment “to make sure we can have an orderly and safe drawdown of US personnel and other allied personnel and an orderly and safe evacuation of Afghans who helped our troops during our …

US sending more troops to Afghanistan for personnel drawdown
3 years, 4 months ago

US sending more troops to Afghanistan for personnel drawdown

Al Jazeera  

US President Joe Biden says his administration warned Taliban against any action putting US personnel at risk. The United States will send additional troops to Afghanistan to help draw down the American embassy in Kabul and remove personnel, President Joe Biden has announced, as the Taliban seized control of the country’s north in another major setback for the Afghan government. …

US deploys more troops in Kabul to evacuate civilian personnel as Taliban closes in
3 years, 4 months ago

US deploys more troops in Kabul to evacuate civilian personnel as Taliban closes in

India Today  

The Biden administration is deploying several thousands of its troops to the Kabul airport to support the orderly and safe reduction of civilian personnel mainly from its embassy, officials at the Pentagon and the State Department said Thursday. In order to facilitate this reduction, the Department of Defence will temporarily deploy additional personnel to Hamid Karzai International Airport,” State Department …

Taliban capture two major Afghan cities; Western nations send troops to evacuate embassy staff
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban capture two major Afghan cities; Western nations send troops to evacuate embassy staff

India Today  

Taliban insurgents tightened their grip on Afghanistan on Friday, wresting control of its second and third biggest cities while Western embassies prepared to send in troops to help evacuate staff from the capital, Kabul. Referring to the southern economic hub of Kandahar, a government official told Reuters, "Following heavy clashes late last night, the Taliban took control." In response to …

US keeping distance as Afghan forces face Taliban rout
3 years, 4 months ago

US keeping distance as Afghan forces face Taliban rout

New Indian Express  

Biden has made clear he has no intention of reversing the decision he made last spring, even as the outcome seems to point toward a Taliban takeover. “My suspicion, my strong suspicion, is that the 31st of August timeline’s going to hold,” said Carter Malkasian, who advised US military leaders in Afghanistan and Washington. Senior US military officials had cautioned …

US sending troops to help evacuate embassy staff in Kabul
3 years, 4 months ago

US sending troops to help evacuate embassy staff in Kabul

Al Jazeera  

The move comes as the embassy urges American citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country ‘immediately’. The US is sending an additional 3,000 troops into Afghanistan to help evacuate some personnel from the embassy in Kabul, Biden administration officials said Thursday. In order to facilitate this reduction, the Department of Defense has been able to temporarily deploy additional personnel to …

US offers further air support to Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive
3 years, 5 months ago

US offers further air support to Afghan troops amid Taliban offensive

India Today  

United States will continue to carry out airstrikes to support Afghan forces facing attack from the insurgent Taliban, a regional US commander said on Sunday as US and other international forces have drawn down troops in Afghanistan. The Taliban escalated its offensive in recent weeks, taking rural districts and surrounding provincial capitals, after US President Joe Biden said in April …

US to begin evacuation of Afghans who aided US military
3 years, 5 months ago

US to begin evacuation of Afghans who aided US military

India Today  

The Biden administration said Wednesday that it is prepared to begin evacuation flights for Afghan interpreters and translators who aided the US military effort in the nearly 20-year war — but their destinations are still unknown and there are lingering questions about how to ensure their safety until they can get on planes. “We want to make sure we recognize …

Afghans who helped US troops to be airlifted out of country
3 years, 5 months ago

Afghans who helped US troops to be airlifted out of country

Al Jazeera  

The United States is launching Operation Allies Refuge to airlift thousands of Afghan nationals who helped US and NATO forces during the 20-year Western occupation of Afghanistan as the Taliban advances, White House and US embassy officials in Kabul said. “The US Embassy will coordinate with the State Department to support Operation Allies Refuge,” said Ambassador Ross Wilson, the US …

Why the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was so quick and why they left so much behind
3 years, 5 months ago

Why the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was so quick and why they left so much behind

ABC  

The US military departed from the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan last week in a remarkably unceremonious way. 'It's really hard to say it was worth it': Final Australian troops leave Afghanistan Photo shows An Australian solider wearing a face mask stands on a tarmac as the sun sets behind him The recent departure of Australia's final defence personnel comes even …

‘Overdue’: Biden sets Aug. 31 for US exit from Afghanistan
3 years, 5 months ago

‘Overdue’: Biden sets Aug. 31 for US exit from Afghanistan

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, delivering an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more American lives even as he bluntly acknowledged there will be no “mission accomplished” moment to celebrate. “How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are …

‘We did not go into Afghanistan to nation-build,’ says Biden as he defends U.S. military withdrawal
3 years, 5 months ago

‘We did not go into Afghanistan to nation-build,’ says Biden as he defends U.S. military withdrawal

The Hindu  

With U.S. troops almost completely out of Afghanistan and the Taliban making rapid territorial gains in the country, U.S. President Joe Biden said that the U.S. was not in Afghanistan for nation-building purposes and that it was for the Afghans to decide their future. On Thursday, Mr. Biden said the U.S. had achieved what it had gone into Afghanistan to …

Top US general in Afghanistan says ‘we should be concerned’ about Taliban
3 years, 5 months ago

Top US general in Afghanistan says ‘we should be concerned’ about Taliban

CNN  

CNN — Army Gen. Austin Scott Miller, the top US military official overseeing the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, said that there should be concern about the Taliban advances on the ground there. And morale actually matters,” Miller said in an interview that aired Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “And so, as you watch the Taliban moving across the country, …

US and NATO troops leave Afghanistan's Bagram signalling complete withdrawal of foreign forces after 20 years
3 years, 5 months ago

US and NATO troops leave Afghanistan's Bagram signalling complete withdrawal of foreign forces after 20 years

Firstpost  

Bagram Air Base served as the linchpin for US operations in the country, where the long war against Taliban and its allies was fought with air strikes Kabul: All US and NATO troops have left the biggest air base in Afghanistan, a US defence official told AFP on Friday, signalling the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country after …

Afghanistan: US days from completing formal withdrawal but up to 1,000 troops could remain
3 years, 5 months ago

Afghanistan: US days from completing formal withdrawal but up to 1,000 troops could remain

CNN  

CNN — The US could complete its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan within days, according to multiple US officials, making this a critical week in President Joe Biden’s campaign to end America’s longest war even as US military officials warn the country could devolve into civil war. Deteriorating security Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US withdrawal will not necessarily mean …

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is turning out to be a complicated affair
3 years, 7 months ago

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is turning out to be a complicated affair

The Hindu  

In the second week of April, United States President Joseph Biden officially announced the much-awaited decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan after more than two decades of occupation and mayhem. William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, told the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee in April that there was “a significant risk” attached to the withdrawal of U.S. …

US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown
3 years, 7 months ago

US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Predictions that the Taliban will quickly overrun Afghan government forces and conquer Kabul once U.S. and coalition forces have fully withdrawn are unduly pessimistic, Washington’s special envoy to Afghanistan said Tuesday. “On the other hand, you get a military that stays together and a government that stays together.” Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and withdrawal critic, asserted …

US to deploy additional forces to Afghanistan as withdrawal underway
3 years, 7 months ago

US to deploy additional forces to Afghanistan as withdrawal underway

India TV News  

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect the US and coalition forces during the withdrawal. White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that "a drawdown is underway," saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the …

US begins final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to end America’s longest war
3 years, 7 months ago

US begins final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to end America’s longest war

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. Read our privacy policy The US has started …

Afghanistan: US troop withdrawal has begun
3 years, 7 months ago

Afghanistan: US troop withdrawal has begun

CNN  

CNN — The US military withdrawal from Afghanistan is now formally underway, according to the White House and several US defense officials. “While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all of US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2020.” Fewer than 100 troops, along with military equipment, have been moved …

Blinken says US withdrawal from Afghanistan will concentrate the minds of ‘free riders’ in the region
3 years, 7 months ago

Blinken says US withdrawal from Afghanistan will concentrate the minds of ‘free riders’ in the region

CNN  

Washington CNN — Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN on Tuesday that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will concentrate the minds of “free riders” in the region about their interests in keeping the country stable. Neither the Afghan government or the Taliban do, none of Afghanistan’s neighbors do, neighbors and other countries in the region that have basically been …

US commander in Afghanistan says steps for withdrawal have begun
3 years, 8 months ago

US commander in Afghanistan says steps for withdrawal have begun

Al Jazeera  

US army general says foreign military bases in Afghanistan will be gradually handed over to Afghan forces. The commander of foreign military forces in Afghanistan says “local action” has begun as part of the planned withdrawal of foreign troops from the country, about two weeks after US President Joe Biden announced all US forces would leave by September 11. “The …

US begins local withdrawal from Afghanistan
3 years, 8 months ago

US begins local withdrawal from Afghanistan

CNN  

CNN — Gen. Austin Scott Miller, commander of US Forces Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, confirmed Sunday that the US has begun to withdraw troops from the country in local areas. Miller also said that the US bases in Afghanistan will be given “primarily” to the Ministry of Defense and other Afghan forces, as well as some equipment. Gen. …

US begins to move equipment out of Afghanistan and approves deployment of forces to protect withdrawal operations
3 years, 8 months ago

US begins to move equipment out of Afghanistan and approves deployment of forces to protect withdrawal operations

CNN  

CNN — The US military withdrawal from Afghanistan is now underway with equipment being packed and shipped out, three defense officials tell CNN. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the extension of the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier’s mission to “remain in the Central Command area of responsibility for a period of time,” and approved “the addition of some long-range bombers” …

Afghanistan: Senior general says US will maintain ability to launch air strikes following troop withdrawal
3 years, 8 months ago

Afghanistan: Senior general says US will maintain ability to launch air strikes following troop withdrawal

CNN  

CNN — The senior US general responsible for US troops in the Middle East made clear Thursday that the US intends to maintain military influence and the ability to carry out air strikes in Afghanistan after American and NATO troops are withdrawn from the country later this year. With just more than a week until the withdrawal is slated to …

US may increase number of soldiers in Afghanistan before troops' withdrawal: Pentagon
3 years, 8 months ago

US may increase number of soldiers in Afghanistan before troops' withdrawal: Pentagon

India Today  

Before the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, there might be an increase in number of soldiers to ensure safe and orderly drawdown, the Pentagon has said. "It is not out of the realm the possibility that for a short period of time, there will have to be some additional enabling capabilities added to Afghanistan, to …

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