Monday, August 23, 2021

White House: Biden undecided about whether to extend evacuation mission after Taliban warning

The White House says President Biden has not yet reached a decision about whether to extend US military operations at Kabul airport after the Taliban said foreign forces MUST be off Afghan soil by the end of the month.


The President has spoken again with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson - Number Ten Downing Street says the Prime Minister raised the need to continue evacuations even after US military forces withdraw.


There is no reference to that part of the conversation in the White House read out of the call.


National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the President has not yet decided about the timing of the military operation's conclusion.


IN:  "We think…."

OUT:  "as we go"

DUR:  38 seconds


http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0823sullivan-deadline.mp3


He also said the perimeter around Kabul Airport in which US forces are operating has been "substantially" extended and said the US has lit upon a military method that he wouldn't describe to facilitate the safe arrival of American evacuees at the airfield.


There was a firefight at the North Gate of Kabul Airport last night that left one member of the Afghan armed forces dead and three others injured.


The US is blaming what it calls a "hostile actor" for the shooting incident.