President Biden says he's asked the Pentagon and the State Department to draw up contingency plans in case the timetable for America's military withdrawal from Kabul Airport needs to change.
He rebuffed demands by G7 leaders for the US military to remain in the Afghan capital for as long as necessary.
And in a much delayed appearance at the White House insisted he still hopes the mission can be completed by the end of the month.
Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks reports.
IN: "He rebuffed...."
OUT: "....at risk"
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President Biden insisted the mission can still be completed by the end of the month.
IN: "We are currently…."
OUT: "….to our operations"
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But reports on the ground in Afghanistan indicate there are fresh disruptions by the Taliban to the evacuation effort….with Americans and Afghans alike claiming they cannot get to the airport.
White Press Secretary Jen Psaki today bristled when a reporter tried to raise a specific case with her.
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OUT: "….in contact with them"
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The President also said the threat of a terror strike on US forces in Kabul is real…and he said the longer they remain, the more they're at risk.
IN: "There are real…."
OUT: "….an innocent civilians"
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