20 Dead In 7 Days At Kabul Airport As Evacuation Situation Worsens

Kabul: The evacuation situation in the Afghanistan capital is worsening by the day, with seven more people having reportedly died while trying to flee Kabul on Sunday.

According to a NATO diplomat, at least 20 people have lost their lives over the past week in and around Kabul airport amidst the hasty and desperate evacuation process being carried out by several countries. Most of these countries were caught unawares after Taliban completed the takeover of Afghanistan by moving into Kabul on August 15.

The British military said seven Afghan civilians died in the chaos and stampede outside the Hamid Karzai International airport.

“Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul,” said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson.

“Conditions on the ground remain extremely challenging but we are doing everything we can to manage the situation as safely and securely as possible,” he added.

US President Joe Biden has set an August 31 evacuation deadline, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

The UK pledged complete support to the US if the Biden administration extends the deadline for complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

Also Read: India Evacuates Kabul Embassy, Arranges Special Flight To Bring Back Envoy, Staff