Approximately 100 countries announced that they have received assurances from the Taliban allowing all foreigners and Afghans with visas to leave Afghanistan, under an agreement that extends beyond the U.S. withdrawal from the country. These countries confirmed in a joint statement their commitment to continue issuing documents that facilitate travel for certain Afghans to all countries.
This comes as U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that communication with the Taliban has confirmed they would provide a safe passage for those wishing to leave Kabul. Sullivan added that Washington is considering conducting attacks and military operations against ISIS in Afghanistan. He clarified that the U.S. is capable of countering terrorism without a permanent presence on the ground in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the terrorist groups there do not have the capabilities to plan attacks overseas.
In the meantime, despite the rocket attack on Kabul Airport on Monday morning, evacuation operations continued from the airport, as U.S. forces began the final phase of their evacuation process, deploying several military aircraft. Washington has only two days left to complete its evacuations and withdraw its remaining forces from Afghanistan. The Pentagon announced that it has already begun the withdrawal of troops, reducing the number from 5,800 to under 4,000.
Britain has Announced Completion of Evacuations
On its part, Britain announced the completion of its evacuation of citizens from Afghanistan, two days before the deadline for foreign nationals to leave. A military transport aircraft carrying the last batch of British evacuated troops landed at an airbase in southern England. The British ambassador to Afghanistan stated that this phase of the operation has concluded, noting that Britain will not forget those in need of departure and will do everything it can to assist them. British Joint Operations Commander in Afghanistan, Benjamin Jonkey, stated that the country is ready to assist other allies and partners despite the completion of its mission. He added, "I want to emphasize that, although Britain has completed its mission in Afghanistan, the United States continues its own evacuation process. I cannot say we have executed a successful withdrawal from Afghanistan until all our allies and partners return."
Safe Passage in Exchange for Recognition
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that his country will maintain representation in the region following the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan, adding that the Taliban must ensure safe passage for those wishing to leave if they seek international recognition. Johnson said, "We, along with our American and European allies, will engage with the Taliban not based on what they say but based on what they do." He added, "If the new regime in Kabul wishes for diplomatic recognition and to unfreeze the blocked billions, it must ensure safe passage for those wishing to leave and respect the rights of women and girls, and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for global terrorism once again."
