August 31 Deadline: Biden Salutes US Army For Evacuating Over 120,000 People From Afghanistan

The United States President, Joe Biden, has appreciated the gallantry of the US troops after evacuating over 120,000 Americans and allies from Afghanistan.

The US Government had fixed August 31 as the deadline for lifting people out of the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan while the troops will leave afterwards.

Advertisement

Biden stated that the troops displayed bravery despite likelihood of attacks by non-state actors and the eventual explosion that killed 13 US soldiers among others in Kabul.

“I want to thank our commanders and the men and women serving under them for their execution of the dangerous retrograde from Afghanistan as scheduled – in the early morning hours of August 31, Kabul time – with no further loss of American lives.

“The past 17 days have seen our troops execute the largest airlift in US history, evacuating over 120,000 US citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies of the United States. They have done it with unmatched courage, professionalism, and resolve. Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended,” he stated on Monday.

Biden stated that the troops deployment to the country was in compliance with the plans of US Chiefs and the presidency.

Advertisement

“For now, I will report that it was the unanimous recommendation of the Joint Chiefs and of all of our commanders on the ground to end our airlift mission as planned. Their view was that ending our military mission was the best way to protect the lives of our troops, and secure the prospects of civilian departures for those who want to leave Afghanistan in the weeks and months ahead,” he stated.

Furthermore, Biden stated that the Taliban will now be held responsible for developments in the country.

He warned that the Taliban must allow other countries to continue evacuating its citizens.

“I have asked the Secretary of State to lead the continued coordination with our international partners to ensure safe passage for any Americans, Afghan partners, and foreign nationals who want to leave Afghanistan. This will include work to build on the UN Security Council Resolution passed this afternoon that sent the clear message of what the international community expects the Taliban to deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel. The Taliban has made commitments on safe passage and the world will hold them to their commitments. It will include ongoing diplomacy in Afghanistan and coordination with partners in the region to reopen the airport allowing for continued departure for those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan,” he stated.

Leave a comment

Advertisement