According to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden is optimistic that American soldiers would be able to finish the departure of US citizens from Afghanistan by August 31, as planned.
“The president is determined to see that every American who wishes to leave Afghanistan is able to do so. He thinks we’ll be able to do it by August 31 “When asked if the US president is considering expanding the US presence in the country, Sullivan responded yes. At the same time, he was unable to say how many Americans are currently stationed in Afghanistan.
Biden told ABC on Wednesday that if there are still Americans who need to be evacuated beyond August 31, Washington can keep its military personnel in Afghanistan.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said during a briefing on Thursday that the US had not taken a decision on modifying its presence in the country’s timeframe, stressing that such a move would necessitate more talks with the Taliban (outlawed in Russia).
On April 14, Biden revealed intentions to conclude the United States’ longest military war in history in Afghanistan.
On August 15, Taliban fighters stormed Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, seizing control of the whole city in a matter of hours. President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan later resigned and departed the country. Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself caretaker president and vowed to fight the Taliban with arms. Citizens and diplomatic officials from Western countries are being evacuated from Afghanistan.
