US President Biden warns of another attack at Kabul airport. US commanders say an attack within 24 to 36 hours is “highly likely”. writes Biden.
Dozens of Afghans and American soldiers were killed in the attack on the airport last Thursday.
Final phase of departure started
The final phase of the departure of the American troops has started at the airport. A spokesman for the United States Department of Defense said. There are now less than 4,000 US military personnel at the airport. There were 5800 earlier this week.
According to the Americans, they have removed more than 100,000 people from the city since the fall of Kabul on August 15. It is unclear whether this includes the people who were picked up by allies.
Taliban
The Taliban are leaving almost no Afghans due to their barriers around the airport. They be ready to take control as soon as the Americans leave.
A Taliban spokesman told Reuters that a cabinet will be installed within a week. “It’s hard to anticipate whether that includes women,” he said. According to him, the top leaders still have to make a decision about this.
Drone attack
He also said the Taliban are unhappy with yesterday’s US drone strike against the Afghan branch of Islamic State. “The Americans should have informed us. It was an attack on Afghan territory.” The action was in retaliation for Thursday’s attack at Kabul airport.
The Americans now say that two IS members were killed in the drone attack. “They were planners, leaders,” said the Defense Ministry spokesman. Previously, there had been one death.
The Taliban confirm that two people were killed, but also say that two women and a child were injured.
The access roads were also blocked by the Taliban yesterday:
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