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Biden, Joe

Chaos in Kabul: US and Nato Struggle to Evacuate Afghans Amid Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Efforts to evacuate thousands of Afghans from Kabul airport have been thwarted by violence around the Taliban's checkpoints, leading to a blame game in Washington over who is responsible for the chaos. The US and Nato have struggled to get people into the airport, with Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg stating that "the paradox is we have more planes than passengers." Amid the chaos, President Joe Biden assured that the US was working with the Taliban to ensure safe passage for those fleeing Afghanistan, with 13,000 people flown out since August 14.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Nato have struggled to evacuate thousands of Afghans from Kabul airport due to violence around the Taliban's checkpoints.
  • Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg stated that the paradox of having more planes than passengers is a major issue in the evacuation efforts.
  • The US and Nato have engaged in a blame game in Washington, with various officials pointing fingers at each other over inaccurate assessments of the prospects of a rapid Taliban takeover.
  • Qatar had been co-ordinating with Nato, the UN, the UK, and the US to move Afghans through checkpoints, but halted operations due to safety fears.
  • British special forces have been traveling outside the airport into Kabul to collect UK nationals and Afghans.
  • The Biden administration has faced criticism over the lack of planning for an evacuation of citizens with Kabul under Taliban control.
  • President Joe Biden has assured that the US is working with the Taliban to ensure safe passage for evacuees and has convened the G7 to co-ordinate a united approach on Afghanistan.

Statistics:

  • 13,000 people have been flown out of Afghanistan since August 14 (Source: President Joe Biden)
  • It is taking 24-48 hours for Afghans to get through Taliban checkpoints within Kabul and to reach the airport hotel used as a processing centre for evacuees (Source: UK officials)
  • It took one convoy almost 12 hours to reach the airport the previous day amid gunfire (Source: Person briefed on the operation)
  • 24-48 hours is the duration it is taking for people to get through Taliban checkpoints (Source: UK officials)

Sources:

  • President Joe Biden
  • Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary-general
  • Qatar (Person briefed on the operation)
  • UK officials
  • Person briefed on the operation
  • White House

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