US forces would remain in Afghanistan until all Americans leave: Biden

Mr. Biden acknowledged this in an exclusive interview with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

NEW DELHI — US President Joe Biden has pledged to retain US forces in Afghanistan until all Americans have been evacuated, even if this means staying until his August 31 timetable for disengagement.

The United States is determined to getting every American out of Afghanistan, according to Mr Biden, who stated this in an exclusive interview with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).

Biden said that his government will ensure the safe exit of each and every citizen of America from the war-torn country, even if it means potentially extending the operation beyond his August 31 timeline for a complete pullout.

In addition to the 10,000 to 15,000 Americans that need to be evacuated, Biden told ABC News that the US intends to evacuate 50,000 to 65,000 Afghans and their families. However, Biden stated that doing so by the end of the month will need a quicker evacuation effort.

As per media reports, nearly 5,000 people were evacuated from Kabul’s airport, even as armed Taliban militants prevented several Afghans, anxious to flee the country, from reaching the airport.

Evacuation of citizens began after Taliban declared victory

After Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country and his administration fell, the Taliban declared victory on Sunday.

The United States, like many other nations, began evacuating its citizens and Afghans with ties to international governments and organizations.

Thousands of American citizens, local embassy personnel and their families, as well as other vulnerable Afghan people, would be evacuated in the coming days, according to the US administration.

General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the perilous situation on the ground in Afghanistan, stating that US troops are “at-risk” and must be the nation’s primary priority.

Taliban recaptured the country faster than expected

The US government has been lambasted for the turmoil that has erupted on the ground in Afghanistan, as the Taliban seized control of the nation while the date for the complete US exit approached.

The government recognised that the Taliban’s rapid recapture of the nation occurred faster than planned, causing pandemonium at the Kabul airport.

As the Taliban tries to deny access to desperate Afghan supporters who assisted the US during the 20-year conflict, they are now fearful of retaliation.