If the Taliban interferes with evacuations, the US will use "overwhelming force."

Image by Military_Material from Pixabay

The Taliban has been warned that if they start interfering with evacuation activities, they will face “overwhelming force,” according to the US Central Command on Tuesday, following tense scenes of thousands of people attempting to flee Afghanistan at Kabul airport after the Taliban took control of the country on Sunday.

US authorities are advising Americans to travel out of the country via Hamid Karzai International Airport, known locally as Kabul airport, after previously advising them to seek shelter.

Army Maj. Gen. William Taylor announced at a Pentagon press conference on Tuesday that more than 4,000 American soldiers had arrived at the airport to assist with evacuations through both army and passenger planes.

According to the White House, 1,100 Americans, permanent residents, and their families were evacuated through 13 aircraft on Tuesday, with the pace anticipated to speed up throughout the week. So far, 3,200 people have been evacuated.

18 August 2021