“On August 31 we are on our way to withdrawal”, began with Joe Biden’s announcement at a press conference. “The sooner we finish, the better.”he added, arguing that each day that passed “poses an increased risk” for US troops.
However, the US President noted that the departure on August 31 “depends on the willingness of the Taliban to continue cooperation and allow access to the airport, and not interfere with our operations.”
Accordingly, Biden asked the Pentagon to develop a contingency plan to extend the deadline if necessary. “I am determined to ensure that our mission is accomplished,” Biden said. “But I am also aware of the growing risks that have been reported to me. These are real and serious issues that we must also take into account, ”he added, referring to a possible attack by Islamic State militants.
The Taliban reiterated that they would not allow the extension of the deadline set by the administration of US President Joe Biden for the withdrawal of troops, threatening to retaliate. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the extremist movement announced that Afghans were not allowed to travel to Kabul airport to prevent citizens from fleeing to other countries.
However, the US president said the Taliban are working with the US to help evacuate US citizens from Afghanistan. “But this is a delicate situation,” says Biden, stating that the shootings have already taken place. “We seriously risk worsening the situation over time.”, stated.
Referring to Tuesday’s emergency G7 meeting, Biden announced that everyone had agreed to remain ‘united’ in response to the Taliban and warned: “None of us will believe the Taliban’s word of honor“We will judge them for their actions, and we will continue to closely coordinate any steps taken in response to the Taliban,” the US president added.
As of August 14, the United States has evacuated more than 70,700 people from Afghanistan. In the past 12 hours alone, 12,000 people have been evacuated from the country on military and civilian aircraft, Biden said.
