Skip to main content

U.S. Is Starting To Evacuate Some Embassy Staff From Afghanistan With Military Help

caption: Afghan security personnel guard Kabul's Green Zone, which houses embassies, in May. An additional 3,000 U.S. troops are heading to Afghanistan to assist with evacuation efforts, according to the Pentagon.
Enlarge Icon
Afghan security personnel guard Kabul's Green Zone, which houses embassies, in May. An additional 3,000 U.S. troops are heading to Afghanistan to assist with evacuation efforts, according to the Pentagon.
AP

The U.S. is evacuating a "significant" number of employees from its embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, as Taliban forces gain ground across the country.

The State Department announced on Thursday it is reducing its civilian footprint of roughly 4,000 personnel to a "core diplomatic presence" given the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.

"Our embassy remains open and our diplomatic mission will endure," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a news briefing.

Meanwhile, embassy officials have been urging Americans to leave Afghanistan immediately over the last few days.

An additional 3,000 U.S. troops are heading to Afghanistan to assist with the evacuation efforts, according to the Pentagon. Three infantry battalions are expected to arrive at Kabul's international airport in the next 24 to 48 hours.

There are currently 650 U.S. troops in Afghanistan guarding the embassy and Kabul's international airport. [Copyright 2021 NPR]

Why you can trust KUOW

Get Local Stories

Delivered to your inbox daily, weekly, or monthly.

Explore Newsletters