UK to urge US to extend Kabul evacuations beyond August 31 to help other nations

Britain has urged the United States to extend its evacuation effort in Kabul beyond the current August 31 deadline, as the US and its allies continue to evacuate nationals, refugees, and some Afghans.

The United Kingdom has stated that without the Americans, other nations will be forced to halt their own efforts to assist refugees escaping the Taliban’s control.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to urge President Joe Biden for it at an extraordinary summit of Group of Seven leaders organized by Britain on Tuesday.

In addition, some British military commanders have recommended the country to maintain soldiers at Kabul airport to continue the evacuation mission even if the Americans depart. According to the Associated Press, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey stated on Monday that “there is a hard reality that there would be no international airlift without the way that the US underpins it.”

“Whether the US can be convinced to stay or not is a question for the prime minister tomorrow at the G-7 meeting,” he added. According to the article, he stated that an extension would require Taliban consent.

According to estimates, British soldiers have evacuated more than 5,700 individuals from Kabul in the previous ten days, including 1,821 in the last 24 hours.

Joe Biden, on the other hand, hasn’t ruled out extending the August 31 deadline he set before the Taliban’s quick takeover of Afghanistan, but he says he hopes it won’t be necessary.

Meanwhile, the Taliban, who took power in Afghanistan on August 15, have issued a warning, stating that any delay or extension in the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan will result in “serious consequences” for the US.

(With assistance from the agency)

NOTE: Asianet News respectfully requests that everyone wear masks, sanitize, keep a safe distance from others, and get vaccinated as soon as possible. We can and will break the chain if we work together #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona