Washington – A former interpreter for US President Joe Biden is stuck in Afghanistan, according to a media report. The Afghan, who took part in a rescue mission for Biden and two other US politicians in 2008, did not receive a timely exit permit, the Wall Street Journal reported. Fearing retaliation from the Taliban, he has now gone into hiding with his family and is hoping for help from Washington.
“Hello Mr. President, save me and my family,” the newspaper’s translator told the newspaper in a cry for help. “Don’t forget me here.”
—
The man, whom the Wall Street Journal only names Mohammed for security reasons, had therefore worked regularly for the US military and accompanied soldiers on combat missions. In 2008 he was part of a small reaction force that rescued then Senator Biden and two other US politicians after their helicopter had to make an emergency landing in a remote area due to a snow storm, a former soldier told the newspaper.
At that time Biden was visiting Afghanistan with Senators Chuck Hagel and John Kerry, who later became Secretary of State. There were concerns that US politicians trapped in the mountains could be attacked by the Taliban. According to the Wall Street Journal, Biden cited this episode as Barack Obama’s deputy in the 2008 presidential campaign to demonstrate his foreign policy experience.
White House promises help: “We will get you out of there”
In response to the media report, the White House promised to help the interpreter. “Our message to him is: Thank you for fighting by our side for the past 20 years,” said a spokeswoman. “We’ll get you out of there. We will honor your service. “
Reports in the US media are now piling up of Afghan civilians who worked for the US armed forces but failed to make it out of the country until the troop withdrawal ended on Monday. They fear acts of retaliation for their activities. President Biden is under severe pressure because of the Taliban takeover and the hasty evacuation campaign for Afghan local workers.
– .
