US accelerating effort to get out of Afghanistan amid capital city violence

Army Maj. Gen. William ‘Hank’ Taylor, Joint Staff Deputy Director for Regional operations: “As of this morning, within the last 24 hours, 25 U.S. military C-17s, three U.S. military C-130s and then a combination of 61 chartered commercial and other military flights departed Kabul. The total passenger count for those flights was approximately 16,000, of that number. The U.S. military transported just under 11,000 personnel.”

“The use of temporary safe haven locations across Europe and the Middle East to, in areas that include U.S. installations in Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, Spain and Germany. We deeply appreciate the support from these countries. This is truly a testament to the importance of our alliances and our partnerships.”

“In the past 24 hours, five flights landed at Dulles International Airport with approximately 1300 passengers. At this time four military installations as well as Dulles International are receiving Afghans as they come into the United States. These installations include Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Fort Lee, Virginia, Joint Base McGuire Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey and Fort Bliss, Texas. The total number currently at these installations is approximately 1200 and NorthCom continues to build out capacity to ensure they are prepared to receive more flights that will come in the next few days.”

“Over the weekend, the airport in Kabul remains secure, however many you’ve seen already, CENTCOM released a statement regarding an incident to report as a no U.S. casualties, a partner force or coalition forces were involved. But regrettably, an Afghan security force member lost his life.”

“As the president referenced last night in his remarks, we are in communication with the Taliban for the establishment and sustainment of several checkpoints to increase throughput and facilitate safe passage for individuals working to gain access to the airport. Today, the number of troops at the airport continues to stand at 5,800. Commanders on the ground continue to actively monitor threats. They are empowered to make the appropriate force protection decisions. As always, U.S. forces retain the inherent right to use force and self-defense.”

“We’re using all of our available tools to maintain the highest threat awareness both in Afghanistan and throughout the globe. While this mission is not without risk, the safety of our personnel, American citizens and Afghan evacuees at risk is of paramount importance.”

“We continue to make progress in the completion of this mission. Since the end of July, we have relocated approximately 42,000 people. Since the beginning of evacuation operations on August 14th, we have evacuated approximately 37,000. All of this progress stems from the teamwork, professionalism and dedication of our military, our interagency colleagues and our allies and partners. We know more hard work remains in the coming days, and we’re absolutely prepared to meet that challenge.”