US Forces will stay in Afghanistan after 31st August to Get All Americans Out

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US President Joe Biden said the US troops could stay in Afghanistan after 31^st August to get all Americans out; if all Americans who wish to leave the country have not been able to do so by then. He made the comments in an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. It was his first interview since the Taliban took over Afghanistan this week. Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he’s committed to making sure the troops stay until every American who needs to be out is out. Point to be noted that 10,000 to 15,000 Americans are still in Afghanistan. Biden said he emphasized his focus on completing the mission in Afghanistan on 31^st August 2021. Pentagon officials have also emphasized their mission runs through 31^st August and any extension is up to the president.

President Biden recognized the US will need to ramp up the number of people it’s evacuating to 5,000 to 7,000 per day. Stephanopoulos said, “So Americans should understand that troops might have to be there beyond August 31st?” Biden said, “No, Americans should understand that we’re going to try to get it done before August 31. If we don’t, we’ll determine at the time who is left. And if there are American forces, if there are American citizens left, we’re going to stay to get them all out”. President Biden also defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and the timing, even amid the spectacle of chaos at Kabul’s airport. There are still thousands of Americans and Afghans who helped the US are stuck and desperately trying to leave.

Moreover, President said the Taliban is cooperating and letting American citizens get out. The US is experiencing more difficulty for having those who helped us when we were there. Pentagon officials also acknowledged they’re working with the Taliban to allow safe passage for Americans to the airport. However, the US embassy has told Americans it cannot guarantee their safe passage to the airport in Kabul. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin informed reporters that the US military doesn’t have the capability to go out and collect large numbers of people. The State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the US military has taken more than 3,000 people out of the country and relocated at least 2,000 Afghan special immigrants. The White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said there are around 11,000 self-identified Americans in the country.