Four Americans left Afghanistan by land. It is the first departure arranged by the US after the US pullout with Taliban knowledge. Read to know the full scoop.
More on departures after the US pullout
The four US citizens left by land and were greeted by American diplomats according to a senior US official’s statement. However, they did not specify which country they crossed. “The Taliban did not impede them” despite being aware of the effort, reported the official to reporters who were accompanying the Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken was flying to Qatar.
Washington assured that it is closely monitoring if the Taliban is holding on to their promise to allow US citizens and other allies to depart as they decide on how to deal with the Islamist group. The Taliban seized the Afghan capital on August 15, 2021, as the west backed government came to shambles. However, with the Kabul airport in chaos, land routes may be the only way out of the country. These routes are mainly through Pakistan and Iran. However, they are not in good diplomatic relations with the US.
More Americans left behind in Afghanistan
According to US officials, more Americans may be remaining in Afghanistan since the US ended the 20-year-war. However, the evacuations will take place by private means. As per several officials and reports, around 100 American citizens, mostly dual nationals are stuck in Afghanistan. After all the previous airlift evacuated over tens of thousands as the US withdrew from the country.
Moreover, President Joe Biden’s rivals from the Republican party are on his heels accusing him of abandoning US nationals. In addition to Americans, several Afghan interpreters and members who provided support to US missions and their families are still in Afghanistan. The US allies fear retribution from the Taliban despite the assurances.