SecondThis is the worst-case scenario that the US military has been worrying about for several days.President Joe Biden At the White House situation center on Thursday, where he-like every morning-was informed of the current situation in Afghanistan when a “major explosion” occurred in Kabul. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby announced shortly afterwards that he could confirm that the explosion at the convent gate of the international airport was the result of a “complex” attack. At least another explosion occurred in the nearby Baron Hotel.
Although the U.S. government initially remained vague and talked about victims among Afghans and Americans, they said Taliban It is said that at least 13 people were killed and at least 52 were injured. A Pentagon spokesperson later confirmed that several American soldiers were killed. The Wall Street Journal reported that the US ambassador to Kabul notified his staff that four US Marines were among the dead.
“Very specific threat”
The Monastery Gate is one of the three entrances to the airport. The Americans placed their citizens in the Baron Hotel outside the airport, and they would be evacuated abroad. Due to the dangerous situation, they did not go to the airport on their own, but were picked up by a helicopter. News from the US airframe that moved to the airport site issued a warning on Thursday evening: “Due to security threats at the entrance of Kabul Airport, we advise American citizens not to go to the airport at this time and avoid the airport gate. .” At the monastery gate, east gate or north gate. The personnel should leave the area “immediately.” Regarding the US military, some people talked about a very specific threat from the local branch of the terrorist organization “Islamic State” (IS).
After the attack, at least one transport plane took off on Thursday. However, after the terror warning was issued, work at the airport stopped slightly. After the US military recently accelerated its mission to the point where a transport plane took off every 45 minutes, the speed slowed down. From Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, about 5,100 people were taken to safety by American transport machines—less than half of the people rescued the day before.
The preparations for the withdrawal before August 31 should have nothing to do with the decline. The Pentagon pointed out that the withdrawal of the first batch of troops will not have an impact on air traffic. There are also reports that the mission will end within 36 hours. At the State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday that about 1,500 American citizens are still in Afghanistan. 4,500 Americans have been shipped out. Many of those who stayed hold both U.S. and Afghan citizenship. In the past 24 hours alone, 500 Americans have been taken to safety.
Blinken said one of them was in contact with 500 of the roughly 1,500 remaining citizens. They received specific instructions on how to rescue them as soon as possible. As for the others, even though they tried several times, they were not contacted, and things became more complicated. The State Council emphasized that their number may also be significantly reduced. Brinken talked about the fact that some people may have left before that. Others may have declared that they are American citizens, but they are not.
Every Tuesday
“We are on the right track”
Brinken said that there may also be people with dual citizenship who regard Afghanistan as their first home and do not want to live without other relatives-this is also considering the pressure of Congress to extend the mission if necessary. In the end, Biden assured all Americans willing to leave Afghanistan that they would “bring them home.” At the White House, Presidential Spokesperson Jen Psaki emphasized by August 31 that they are on the right track. That was before the attack. She added that if he had to stay longer, the president would be informed of the emergency plan.
As we all know, before the deadline, not all local Afghan workers, their families, and Afghans who are now targets of the Taliban will be rescued. Blinken said there is no “deadline” for efforts to help Americans and Afghans leave the country after the army leaves. The Taliban have promised that people will be escorted safely after August 31. Brinken said that plans are being developed to support this future process through consular assistance.
Of course, it is not even clear whether or how Washington maintains the minimum operation of its embassy. Brinken emphasized that those who want to leave the United States after the US military enters will not be turned away. This is the expectation of Washington and the international community. He added: “Of course we have incentives and influence on the future Afghan government to ensure that this happens.” Afghans seeking protection will not be forgotten.
