U.S. Military Engagement in Afghanistan Ends, But Americans Still Remain in the Country
The Biden administration is shifting its resources to a difficult diplomatic mission aimed at facilitating the safe exit of American citizens and Afghan allies after the U.S. ended its 20-year military engagement in Afghanistan on Monday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said officials believe that between 100 and 200 Americans seeking to leave the country remain there and were not evacuated on military flights out of Kabul, which came to a halt on Monday evening to meet President Biden’s Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawing U.S. forces.
“We will continue our relentless efforts to help Americans, foreign nationals and Afghans leave Afghanistan if they choose,” Blinken said in remarks from the State Department, while acknowledging that officials weren’t sure exactly how many Americans remain in Afghanistan.
