Afghanistan crisis: One of most difficult airlifts in history, says US President Joe Biden on evacuations amid Taliban takeover
Joe Biden said that the past week has
been 'heartbreaking' and expressed, "We've seen gut-wrenching images of
panicked people acting out of sheer desperation. You know, it's completely
understandable. They're frightened. They're sad — uncertain what happens
next."
New
Delhi: US President
Joe Biden on Friday (August 20, 2021) called the evacuation mission in
Afghanistan one of the 'largest and most difficult' airlifts in US history.
Biden, facing criticism of his handling of the chaotic pullout from Afghanistan
after the Taliban's takeover, said that his administration is going to do
everything that they can to provide safe evacuation for their Afghan allies and
partners.
"Let me be clear, any American who
wants to come home, we will get you home," he said in a speech from the
White House.
"But make no mistake. This evacuation
mission is dangerous. It involves risks to our armed forces, and it is being
conducted under difficult circumstances," the US President added.
He also said that the US
government is keeping a 'close watch' on any potential terrorist threat at
or around the Kabul airport, including from the ISIS affiliates in Afghanistan
who were released from prison when the prisons were emptied.
6,000 US troops on the ground
Biden stated that the US has almost 6,000
troops on the ground, including the 82nd Airborne providing runway security,
the Army 10th Mountain Division standing guard around the airport, and the 24th
Marine Expeditionary Unit assisting the civilian departure.
Since I spoke on Monday, we have made significant progress on the ground in
Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/BDtK9kRHeb
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 21, 2021
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"I cannot promise what the final
outcome will be or what it will be — that it will be without risk of
loss. But as Commander-in-Chief, I can assure you that I will mobilize
every resource necessary," Biden added.
Gut-wrenching
Joe Biden said that the past
week has been 'heartbreaking'. He said, "We've seen
gut-wrenching images of panicked people acting out of sheer desperation. You
know, it's completely understandable. They're frightened. They’re sad —
uncertain what happens next."
"I don't think anyone — I don’t think
any one of us can see those pictures and not feel that pain on a human
level," he added.
Watch live as I deliver remarks on the evacuation of American citizens and
their families, SIV applicants and their families, and other vulnerable
Afghans. https://t.co/g1Pkeq3gwI
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 20, 2021
Biden's comments came amid the Taliban
ousting the Kabul government a week ago as US forces withdrew
after 20 years.
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