US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby said in a press conference that Washington aims to complete the evacuation operations from Afghanistan by August 31 “because that is the deadline indicated by the commander-in-chief of the Forces. armed, “President Joe Biden. Regarding the threats launched by the Taliban in the event of a postponement of the withdrawal of military personnel, as requested by various NATO allies, Kirby stressed that there are contacts with the extremist group every day and that the US administration is “aware of what affirmed (by the Taliban) on the deadline of 31 August “.
Kabul, the journalist’s courage: everyone runs away but she continues the live broadcast despite the shots
Emergency: “A part of the staff wants to leave the country”
“The Emergency staff in Kabul continues to work, but some of the local collaborators try to obtain visas for themselves and their families to leave Afghanistan”, Alberto Zanin, medical coordinator of the Emergency hospital in the capital, says that part of the staff is worried and like many looking for a way to leave the country. “In the last 48 hours we have welcomed 15 patients, they came from Kabul airport and reported minor gunshot wounds”, Zanin, during a briefing on Zoom, says that there are checkpoints of armed soldiers on the streets of the city, but the situation is calmer than in recent weeks. “Yesterday we met with the new health manager. He welcomed us and guaranteed maximum cooperation from the new Islamic Emirate ”, explains Zanin. Doctor Omar, as he would call himself, has allegedly assured him that he has no intention of stopping Emergency’s operations in Afghanistan. In the rest of the country, the NGO is preparing spaces to be used in the event of attacks and injured influx. A part of the staff went to the province of Panshir to make the structure more receptive in case of clashes. “As for the supplies of health and medical equipment, for now we have no problems, but we have increased our stocks by five months, especially in places where days of travel are needed”.
Afghanistan, activists from Pangea and families embarked in Kabul
Al Qaeda Maghreb congratulates “the Afghans”
The terrorist group that goes under the acronym AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), operating together in Saharan Africa and the Sahel, congratulated “the Afghan people”. This was reported by Wassim Nasr of France24, a profound connoisseur of jihadist groups. “Aqim has published a joint note with Jnim (another terrorist group affiliated with Al Qaeda, ed) to congratulate the Afghan people. No explicit mention of the Taliban, even if it quotes the famous saying of Mullah Omar ‘Bush promised us defeat and Allah’s victory. We will see who is right. ‘”
Paris, postpone withdrawal beyond the deadline of 31 August
The French government believes that a “further postponement” of the August 31 deadline for withdrawal from Afghanistan is “necessary” in order to continue the evacuations of civilians. This was stated by the Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a visit to the Emirates.
Afghanistan, the marine offers water to children at Kabul airport
WHO: “Aid for 300 thousand people blocked”
As the world looks to Kabul, millions of people in Afghanistan are not receiving medical care due to the critical situation at the airport. The complaint comes from the WorldHealth Organization. “More than 500 tons of medical supplies, including surgical equipment and malnutrition kits, were due to be delivered this week. They are locked out of the country.” The load should have reached 300,000 displaced in the last two months, since the start of the advance of the Taliban.
Iran: “The Taliban are the future of the country. We ask for dialogue”
“We believe that the Taliban are part of the future of Afghanistan. Iran’s position on recognizing the future Afghan government calls for the formation of an inclusive administration. We support a peaceful transfer of power to an inclusive government.” This was stated by the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Tehran, Saeed Khatibzadeh. “There is no military solution to the Afghan question. Iran, as a brother country, is in contact with all parties and has invited them to negotiate to find a political solution,” the spokesman continued. “The presence of the United States in Afghanistan as an invading country has been a disaster and their withdrawal unworthy. The sinister legacy of the United States will be a historical lesson for all. The images coming from Afghanistan are a shame for those who claim to be promoters. of human rights “.
Afghanistan, Di Maio: “We have evacuated 1600 people, the plan is to transfer 2,500”
Taliban: “Three districts resumed. Enemy under siege”
They claim the reconquest of three districts in Panshir, the last pocket of resistance to the militants. Spokesman Zabihullah wrote in a tweet: “The Bannu, Pul-e-Hisar and Deh Salah districts of Baghlan have been completely cleared of the enemy. The Salang Pass is open and the enemy is under siege in Panshir. The Emirate Islamic is trying to solve the problem through talks. “
Media: “Total evacuated: at least 28 thousand”
Since the fall of Kabul on Sunday 15 August, at least 28,000 people have been evacuated. This was reported by a graph compiled by Reuters, Afp and Al Jazeera. The numbers by country. USA, 19,500; Great Britain, 3,821; Germany, 2 thousand; Pakistan, 1,100; Italy, one thousand; Turkey, 583; France, 570; India, 552; Denmark, 404; The Netherlands, 300; Australia, 300; Canada, 294; Spain, 273; Poland, 260; Czech Republic, 170; Ukraine, 83; Hungary, 26; Indonesia, 26; Romania, 14; Japan, 2.
The brother of former Afghan president Ghani swears allegiance to the Taliban
Kamala Harris: “Our priority: evacuation. We have time to understand”
Biden’s deputy has started her tour in Asia: Singapore and Vietnam are the stops. Scheduled for some time, the trip, however, reaches the apex of the political storm in Afghanistan that affects the region in the first place. “We will have the opportunity to think well about what happened. Now we must focus on the evacuation of the Americans and Afghans who have worked with us, including women and children,” Kamala Harris said at a press conference.
Shooting at the airport: one dead among the Afghan military. Cnn: “He was a sniper”
Gunfight this morning at the north entrance of Kabul airport: one dead and three wounded. Clashes between Afghan forces and unidentified assailants also involved German and American soldiers. The news was given by the German Armed Forces. Sources at CNN reported that the Afghan soldier was killed by a sniper, identity unknown, outside the airport. Afghan forces reacted to the attack by shooting at the marines, inadvertently, who responded with gunshots, wounding 4 people. The wounded are well.
August 31: the Taliban red line
There is a week left until the date decided by the Biden administration for the definitive withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The dramatic situation of the evacuations opens up the possibility of extending the times, contemplated by both the US and NATO. “If the United States or Britain try to buy time to continue evacuations from Afghanistan, there will be consequences.” Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban and member of the group’s negotiation team, said in an interview with Skynews in Doha. “President Biden announced that on August 31 he would withdraw all American troops. So if they extend the limit it means they are extending the occupation and there is no need,” he said, reiterating that if “the intention is to continue. to occupy “Afghanistan” will break trust and there will be a reaction “.
