August 19, 2021
2 mins read

Taliban not interfering with evacuation: Gen Milley

Miley’s remarks is in sharp contrast with State Department’s statement on the matter….reports Asian Lite News

Pentagon on Wednesday said that the Taliban are not interfering with evacuation operations by US troops and said the terror group is guaranteeing safe passage to the airport for American citizens.

In a press briefing at the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley told reporters that, “the Taliban are in and around the Kabul right now but they are not interfering with our operations.”

“Through the State Department, the Taliban are guaranteeing safe passage to the airport for American citizens, that is, US passport holders,” Milley said.

US troops in Afghanistan.

When asked if the military had the capability to enter Kabul and extract people, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “We don’t have the capability to go out and collect the large numbers of people out.”

Miley’s remarks is in sharp contrast with State Department’s statement on the matter.

The US embassy in Kabul issued an advisory, saying that the US government cannot ensure safe passage to the Hamid Karzai international Airport.

A few hours later, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told reporters at the State Department today that, “we have seen reports that the Taliban, contrary to their public statements and their commitments to our government are blocking Afghans who wish to leave the country from reaching the airport.”

US soldiers prepare to depart from Kunduz, Afghanistan. (Photo Brian Harris_Planet Pix_ZUMA_dpa_IANS)

Sherman said that the State Department’s team in Doha, Qatar, is meeting with Taliban officials, and “our military partners on the ground in Kabul are engaging directly with the Taliban to make clear that we expect them to allow all American citizens all third-country nationals and all Afghans who wish to leave to do so safely and without harassment.”

The US has so far evacuated “approximately 5,000 people” from Afghanistan and its military intends to increase the number of evacuees.

On Sunday, the Taliban declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled abroad and his government collapsed.

Like many other countries, the US started evacuating its nationals and some Afghans with links to foreign governments and organisations. (ANI)

ALSO READ: No intelligence failure in Afghanistan, says Biden

ALSO READ: Biden’s approval rating dips below 50%

Previous Story

Meghalaya leads the way in harnessing faith for climate action

Next Story

India, Vietnam carry out maritime drill in South China Sea

Latest from -Top News

China Welcomes Modi’s ‘Positive Remarks’ on Ties

PM Modi emphasised that cooperation between India and China is essential for global stability and prosperity, advocating for healthy competition rather than conflict….reports Asian Lite News China on Monday said it “appreciates”

Pakistan Sticks to April 1 Deportation Plan

Over 800,000 ACC-holding Afghans face uncertainty as Pakistan rejects Kabul’s request to delay deportations….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan has firmly rejected the Afghan Taliban’s request to extend the deadline for deporting Afghan

Sunita Williams to Land Back on Earth Tomorrow

The duo has been on the ISS since June after their Boeing Starliner, on its maiden crewed flight, suffered propulsion issues and was deemed unfit for return….reports Asian Lite News After spending
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Taliban restrictions empty parks as people stay away

With the Taliban back in power, women have been barred

US top court rejects bid to limit abortion pill access

Thursday’s ruling comes months before the US elections, where reproductive