As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain
3 years, 3 months ago

As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — As the final five U.S. military transport aircraft lifted off out of Afghanistan Monday, they left behind up to 200 Americans and thousands of desperate Afghans who couldn’t get out and now must rely on the Taliban to allow their departure. But I think if we’d stayed another 10 days we wouldn’t have gotten everybody out that we wanted to get out.” McKenzie and other officials painted a vivid picture of the final hours U.S. troops were on the ground, and the preparations they took to ensure that the Taliban and Islamic State group militants did not get functioning U.S. military weapons systems and other equipment. Underscoring the ongoing security threats, the weapon systems used just hours earlier to counter IS rockets launched toward the airport were kept operational until “the very last minute” as the final U.S. military aircraft flew out, officials said. Throughout the day, as the final C-17 transport planes prepared to take off, McKenzie said the U.S. kept “overwhelming U.S. airpower overhead” to deal with potential IS threats.

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History of this topic

A second Afghan embassy says it will close after the Taliban withdrew recognition
3 months, 2 weeks ago

A second Afghan embassy says it will close after the Taliban withdrew recognition

Associated Press  

ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway is to close on Thursday, its occupants said, the second of the country’s diplomatic missions to announce closure this week. It follows a statement from the Taliban at the end of July saying they would no longer recognize Afghan missions abroad set up by the former, Western-backed government in Kabul, including the embassy in …

Afghan special forces commander describes his shock at 'tyrant' Biden's withdrawal order: 'It felt like a dagger to my heart'
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Afghan special forces commander describes his shock at 'tyrant' Biden's withdrawal order: 'It felt like a dagger to my heart'

Daily Mail  

Lt. General Sami Sadat, one of Afghanistan's most senior special forces commanders, was in the middle of an offensive against the Taliban when he heard that President Joe Biden had ordered American troops to leave the country. The order from Biden crippled Sadat and his forces, he told Congress, all before the U.S. government eventually surrendered Bagram Air Base and …

US working to assist Americans who want to leave Afghanistan: Antony Blinken
1 year, 8 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 …

US veterans testify at hearing on United States evacuation from Afghanistan
1 year, 9 months ago

US veterans testify at hearing on United States evacuation from Afghanistan

ABC  

Active-service members and veterans in the United States have given testimony about the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, describing in harrowing detail the carnage and death they witnessed on the ground while imploring Congress to help allies left behind. Key points: One US veteran say he sees "the faces of all of those we could not save" Afghan veterans …

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 …

Afghanistan marks 1 year since Taliban seizure as woes mount
2 years, 4 months ago

Afghanistan marks 1 year since Taliban seizure as woes mount

The Hindu  

The Taliban on Monday marked a year since they seized the Afghan capital of Kabul, a rapid takeover that triggered a hasty escape of the nation's Western-backed leaders, sent the economy into a tailspin and fundamentally transformed the country. One small group marched past the former U.S. Embassy, chanting “Long live Islam” and “Death to America.” A year after the …

US withdrawal prompted collapse of Afghan army: Report
2 years, 7 months ago

US withdrawal prompted collapse of Afghan army: Report

Al Jazeera  

The US oversight authority on Afghanistan SIGAR says the decision to withdraw from Kabul led to the demise of the Afghan army. The withdrawal of US forces and military contractors last year has been touted as “the single most important factor” in triggering the collapse of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, according to an interim report by the …

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 …

US envoy to Afghanistan resigns in wake of chaotic withdrawal
3 years, 2 months ago

US envoy to Afghanistan resigns in wake of chaotic withdrawal

Al Jazeera  

Zalmay Khalilzad had been under pressure since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s takeover. Top United States envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is stepping down, the State Department has announced, less than two months after the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover of the country. “As Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad steps …

Threatened Afghans hopeful of fleeing after Taliban resumes passport services
3 years, 2 months ago

Threatened Afghans hopeful of fleeing after Taliban resumes passport services

Firstpost  

Hundreds flocked to the department to apply for travel documents in a test of the new Afghan government’s commitment to the international community to allow eligible people to leave Kabul: The reopening of the passport office in Kabul on Wednesday gave some Afghans who feel threatened under Taliban rule fresh hope they may soon be able to escape the country. …

Kabul Airport fully ready for domestic, international flights: Taliban
3 years, 2 months ago

Kabul Airport fully ready for domestic, international flights: Taliban

India TV News  

The airport in Kabul is fully ready for domestic and international flights, the Taliban said on Sunday. "As the problems at Kabul International Airport have been resolved and the airport is fully operational for domestic and international flights, the IEA assures all airlines of its full cooperation and expects all airlines and countries that had previously flown to Kabul to …

A month of Taliban rule: Signs of US occupation at Kabul airport
3 years, 3 months ago

A month of Taliban rule: Signs of US occupation at Kabul airport

Al Jazeera  

A well-thumbed copy of Not a Good Day to Die, which tells how American forces nearly came undone fighting in Afghanistan in the early stages of the war, lies on a bed in a deserted United States barrack room at Kabul airport. A month after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, signs of the 20-year US-led occupation are still visible at …

Flight takes about 200, including Americans, out of Kabul
3 years, 3 months ago

Flight takes about 200, including Americans, out of Kabul

Associated Press  

KABUL, Afghanistan — 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. In the U.S., National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said that Thursday’s flight was the result of …

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 …

Scores of Westerners, including Americans, fly out of Kabul in first large-scale departure since US troop withdrawal
3 years, 3 months ago

Scores of Westerners, including Americans, fly out of Kabul in first large-scale departure since US troop withdrawal

Firstpost  

A senior US official provided the number of Westerners on board and said that two very senior Taliban officials had helped facilitate the departure. Kabul, Afghanistan: Some 200 foreigners, including Americans, flew out of Afghanistan on an international commercial flight from Kabul airport on Thursday, the first such large-scale departure since US and foreign forces concluded their frantic withdrawal at …

Al-Qaeda may seek comeback in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan: Pentagon chief
3 years, 3 months ago

Al-Qaeda may seek comeback in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan: Pentagon chief

The Hindu  

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday the al-Qaeda extremist group that used Afghanistan as a staging base to attack the United States 20 years ago may attempt to regenerate there following an American withdrawal that has left the Taliban in power. “We put the Taliban on notice that we expect them to not allow that to happen," Mr. …

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani apologises for fleeing, says only way to keep 'guns silent'
3 years, 3 months ago

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani apologises for fleeing, says only way to keep 'guns silent'

Firstpost  

Ghani refuted allegations of having stolen from the treasury before fleeing, saying that he would welcome an official audit or financial investigation to prove the veracity of his statements Dubai: Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled to the UAE before the Taliban seized power last month, has apologised to the people for leaving the country abruptly, saying he believed …

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 …

Senior Democrat’s spokesperson disputes Blinken’s comments about flights grounded in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Senior Democrat’s spokesperson disputes Blinken’s comments about flights grounded in Afghanistan

CNN  

CNN — The communications director for a senior Democratic senator pushed back on comments from Secretary of State Antony Blinken about charter flights that have been grounded for days in the north of Afghanistan, as uncertainty over the militant group’s promises to let Americans leave Afghanistan continued to roil Washington and as the Taliban named members of a designated terror …

Taliban vowed to let Afghans 'freely depart' from country, says Blinken after Qatar talks
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban vowed to let Afghans 'freely depart' from country, says Blinken after Qatar talks

India Today  

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the Taliban had reiterated a pledge to allow Afghans to freely depart Afghanistan following his meeting with Qatari officials on accelerating evacuations. The Taliban told the United States that "they will let people with travel documents freely depart," Blinken told a news conference in Doha where he and Defense Secretary Lloyd …

US top diplomat Blinken visits Qatar in wake of Taliban takeover
3 years, 3 months ago

US top diplomat Blinken visits Qatar in wake of Taliban takeover

Al Jazeera  

Secretary of State Blinken says ‘no country has done more than Qatar’ during the US military withdrawal and civilian exodus from Afghanistan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other top Qatari officials in Doha for talks on Afghanistan – shortly after the …

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 …

Afghanistan: An imperial disaster
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan: An imperial disaster

The Hindu  

THE chaotic exit of the United States military from Afghanistan, just before the August 31 deadline set by the Taliban, has ended the final chapter of the U.S.’ longest war. The Taliban leaders were angry because they claimed that the military equipment left behind by the U.S. forces belonged to the Afghan state and that they were the legitimate successors …

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 …

The last US plane has departed Kabul, so what now for the people of Afghanistan?
3 years, 3 months ago

The last US plane has departed Kabul, so what now for the people of Afghanistan?

ABC  

After the last American plane left Kabul, the city's skyline lit up with gunfire — a Taliban celebration of the "complete independence" they have achieved over Afghanistan. Key points: A financial and humanitarian crisis is gripping Afghanistan As the last US flight left, citizens of Kabul were left feeling betrayed, while several women told the ABC they were in imminent …

US looking at land routes to continue Afghanistan evacuations
3 years, 3 months ago

US looking at land routes to continue Afghanistan evacuations

Al Jazeera  

US officials welcome efforts by Turkey and Qatar to help reopen the airport in Kabul after American troop withdrawal. The United States is exploring ways to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies looking to leave Afghanistan including via land routes, US officials said on Wednesday, reasserting a commitment to help eligible people who were not airlifted out. US Under Secretary …

‘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 …

Read the full transcript of Biden’s remarks on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan War
3 years, 3 months ago

Read the full transcript of Biden’s remarks on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan War

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But it did authorize the release of 5,000 prisoners last year, including some of …

Biden says chaotic Kabul withdrawal was a SUCCESS
3 years, 3 months ago

Biden says chaotic Kabul withdrawal was a SUCCESS

Daily Mail  

President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the troop withdrawal from Kabul that left 13 US service members dead was an 'extraordinary success' and blamed Donald Trump and local soldiers for the mess in Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the US troop withdrawal from Kabul was an 'extraordinary success' and blamed Donald Trump and local …

Victorious Taliban focus on governing after US withdrawal
3 years, 3 months ago

Victorious Taliban focus on governing after US withdrawal

Associated Press  

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban reveled in their victory after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, reiterating their pledge Tuesday to bring peace and security to the country after decades of war. It will take time.” A long-running economic crisis has worsened since the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the country in mid-August, with people crowding banks to maximize their daily withdrawal …

Last U.S. troops leave Kabul after two decades of war in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Last U.S. troops leave Kabul after two decades of war in Afghanistan

The Hindu  

The last United States evacuation planes left Afghanistan on August 30, U.S. officials confirmed. "I'm here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate American citizens," Central Command Commander General Frank McKenzie said. And U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said later that "under 200, likely closer to 100 Americans …

Taliban hold mock FUNERALS for American forces: Thousands celebrate US soldiers leaving
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban hold mock FUNERALS for American forces: Thousands celebrate US soldiers leaving

Daily Mail  

The Biden administration is considering sending economic aid to the Taliban, even as the militants hold mock funerals for American troops and NATO allies to celebrate the end of the 20-year US military intervention in Afghanistan. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told ABC's Good Morning America that the US could send economic and developmental aid to Afghanistan if the …

OPINION | Americans gone from Afghanistan: Worst retreat ever!
3 years, 3 months ago

OPINION | Americans gone from Afghanistan: Worst retreat ever!

India TV News  

America’s longest war in history came to an unceremonious end on Monday midnight after the last five C-17 military cargo jets left Kabul airport. Taliban fighters immediately took control of the entire Kabul airport and their spokesman proclaimed “full independence”, 20 years after the US attacked Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks. US President Joe Biden said, the Taliban has …

As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain
3 years, 3 months ago

As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — As the final five U.S. military transport aircraft lifted off out of Afghanistan, they left behind up to 200 Americans and thousands of desperate Afghans who couldn’t get out and now must rely on the Taliban to allow their departure. “Our commitment to them holds no deadline.” Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, told reporters …

Taliban declare victory from Kabul airport, promise security
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban declare victory from Kabul airport, promise security

India TV News  

The Taliban triumphantly marched into Kabul's international airport on Tuesday, hours after the final U.S. troop withdrawal that ended America's longest war. “Our nation has suffered war and invasion and the people do not have more tolerance.” At the end of his remarks, the Badri fighters shouted: “God is the greatest!” In an interview with Afghan state television, Mujahid also …

Afghanistan war ends: Full statement by General Kenneth McKenzie
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan war ends: Full statement by General Kenneth McKenzie

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here is a transcript of General McKenzie’s remarks: I’m here to announce the completion …

Taliban celebrate defeating the United States
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban celebrate defeating the United States

Deccan Chronicle  

Kabul: The hardline Islamist Taliban celebrated their total return to power on Tuesday with gunfire and diplomacy, after the last US troops flew out of Afghanistan to end two decades of war. The United States' longest military conflict drew to a close on Monday night when its forces abandoned Kabul's airport, where it had overseen a frenzied airlift that saw …

Want good relations with the US and world, say Taliban as America pulls out of Afghanistan after 20 years
3 years, 3 months ago

Want good relations with the US and world, say Taliban as America pulls out of Afghanistan after 20 years

India TV News  

The Taliban is celebrating its takeover of Afghanistan. Its top spokesman congratulated Afghan people on their victory, hours after the last US troops left the country following 20 years of military intervention. this victory belongs to us all," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said from the runway of Kabul airport. "While the U.S. government has withdrawn its personnel from Kabul, we …

US makes unceremonious end to Afghanistan war leaving Afghans to wonder what comes next
3 years, 3 months ago

US makes unceremonious end to Afghanistan war leaving Afghans to wonder what comes next

Firstpost  

As for those left behind in Afghanistan, a country of 38 million minus the thousands who have fled or died in recent weeks, all they can do is look forward The end of the United States’ longest war was unceremonious — trash blowing across the single airstrip of Kabul’s international airport, Afghans lingering outside the gates, still hoping in vain …

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” …

Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war
3 years, 3 months ago

Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, some barely older than the war. Hours ahead of …

Taliban celebrate victory as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban celebrate victory as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan

India TV News  

Taliban fighters watched the last U.S. planes disappear into the sky over Afghanistan around midnight Monday and then fired their guns into the air, celebrating victory after a 20-year insurgency that drove the world’s most powerful military out of one of the poorest countries. “The last five aircraft have left, it’s over!” said Hemad Sherzad, a Taliban fighter stationed at …

Biden announces end of America’s 20-year-old military presence in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Biden announces end of America’s 20-year-old military presence in Afghanistan

India TV News  

US President Joe Biden has announced the end of America’s 20-year-old military presence in Afghanistan, hours after the United States withdrew all of its soldiers from the war-ravaged country. “Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended,” he said, thanking armed forces for their execution of the dangerous retrograde from Afghanistan as scheduled -- in the early hours of …

End of US mission in Kabul: America completes withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

End of US mission in Kabul: America completes withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan

India TV News  

The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 US service members, some barely older than the war. Hours ahead of President Joe …

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 …

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