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The Taliban have warned there would be "consequences" if the US and its allies extend their presence in Afghanistan beyond the August 31 deadline, as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul airport.
The Taliban takeover of the country last weekend shocked Western nations, coming just two weeks before the deadline for all troops to fully withdraw from the country.
Taliban's statement came a day after US President Joe Biden said he still hopes to complete the "heartbreaking" evacuation from Afghanistan by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Britain said Monday it would urge the US to extend the August 31 deadline for evacuations from Afghanistan.
However, the Taliban, who have so far sought to strike a more moderate tone, showed no willingness to compromise on the US pullout.
Here are the LIVE Updates on Afghanistan-Taliban crisis:
US "On Pace" To End Afghan Mission By August 31: Joe Biden To G7
President Joe Biden has informed G7 leaders that the US mission in Kabul is "on pace" to end by an August 31 pullout deadline, the White House said Tuesday. Biden warned that meeting the deadline would depend on Taliban cooperation regarding evacuee access to Kabul airport and has ordered contingency plans to "adjust the timeline" if necessary, said a statement from Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
President Joe Biden has informed G7 leaders that the US mission in Kabul is "on pace" to end by an August 31 pullout deadline, the White House said Tuesday. Biden warned that meeting the deadline would depend on Taliban cooperation regarding evacuee access to Kabul airport and has ordered contingency plans to "adjust the timeline" if necessary, said a statement from Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
U.S. cannot say how many Afghan refugees it has received, situation 'fluid'
A senior U.S. official on Tuesday could not say how many Afghans have been evacuated to the United States, adding that the situation remains "fluid" because of the swiftness of the operation.
Pressed to provide numbers, the official said the U.S. government was "moving as quickly as we can to get them out of harm's way."
"I don't have exact numbers for you right now or a breakdown," the official told reporters during a phone briefing. "Even if I did, it would shift as this process continues."
Taliban 'will be held accountable' on terrorism, human rights: G7
An emergency meeting of the G7 leaders on Tuesday agreed that the Taliban will be held accountable for its actions in Afghanistan on protecting women's rights and preventing terrorism.
"We reaffirm that the Taliban will be held accountable for their actions on preventing terrorism, on human rights in particular those of women, girls and minorities and on pursuing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan," said a statement issued by Downing Street after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson convened the meeting.
G7 Demands Taliban "Guarantee" Safe Passage From Kabul After August 31
The Taliban must "guarantee" a safe passage for those fleeing Afghanistan beyond the current August 31 evacuation deadline, the G7 agreed Tuesday, according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Johnson, who convened the emergency meeting, said that he and his colleagues had agreed "a roadmap for the way in which we're going to engage with the Taliban" in the future. He added that the "number one condition" was "to guarantee... through August 31 and beyond, a safe passage for those who want to come out."
US President Joe Biden Agrees To Stick To August 31 Afghan Pullout Deadline: ReportPresident Joe Biden has agreed with a Pentagon recommendation to stick with the Aug. 31 Afghanistan withdrawal deadline, an administration official told Reuters on Tuesday.
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: Italy Wants G20 Meeting On Afghanistan
Italy said Tuesday it hoped to organise a G20 meeting on Afghanistan, to widen the global discussion on the crisis to countries including Russia and China.
Leaders of the G7 top world economies -- including Italy -- are meeting virtually Tuesday to discuss the Afghan situation following the rapid takeover by Taliban forces, notably evacuations from Kabul.
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio emphasised the importance of the wider G20 grouping, over which Italy currently presides and which includes countries such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
"We are working on the idea of an ad hoc summit to promote a deeper debate on Afghanistan," Di Maio told lawmakers in parliament.
Afghanistan: Russia accuses US of forcing Afghans on Central AsiaRussia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday that US forces are "pawning off" Afghans fleeing the Taliban to neighbouring Moscow-allied Central Asia.
Afghanistan: Taliban Tell Women Afghan Workers To Stay At Home: ReportA Taliban spokesman on Tuesday said the United States should stop evacuating skilled Afghans, and warned Western forces against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts out of the country.
Afghanistan: Taliban Wont Allow Extension Of US Evacuation Deadline: ReportA Taliban spokesman on Tuesday said the United States should stop evacuating skilled Afghans, and warned Western forces against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts out of the country.
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: German Military Sees Rising Risk Of Suicide Attacks In Kabul
There is an increasing risk of suicide attacks by Islamic State (IS) fighters entering Kabul, a German general said on Tuesday, as Western countries scrambled to evacuate their citizens and local staff before an Aug. 31 deadline.
There is an increasing risk of suicide attacks by Islamic State (IS) fighters entering Kabul, a German general said on Tuesday, as Western countries scrambled to evacuate their citizens and local staff before an Aug. 31 deadline.
"The security situation continues to deteriorate," Germany's Chief of Defence Eberhard Zorn told reporters in Berlin.
Afghanistan: 10 Heartbreaking Pics Of Kids Trying To Flee The TalibanHeartbreaking scenes of chaos have emerged from Kabul airport, which has been overwhelmed by tens of thousands of people trying to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power last week.
Afghanistan: Russia Says Ready To Mediate In Afghanistan Alongside China, US, PakistanRussia, China, the United States and Pakistan are interested in serving as middlemen in resolving the crisis in Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
Afghanistan: WHO Says Only Has Week Of Medical Supplies Left In AfghanistanThe World Health Organization warned Tuesday that it has enough medical supplies to last it "one week", following the blistering Taliban takeover of Afghanistan's capital Kabul 10 days ago.
CIA Chief Held Secret Meeting Yesterday With Taliban In Kabul: Report
US Central Intelligence Agency chief William Burns held a secret meeting in Kabul with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Washington Post reported Tuesday. Read more
US Central Intelligence Agency chief William Burns held a secret meeting in Kabul with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Washington Post reported Tuesday. Read more
Spain Warns Will Have To Leave People Behind In AfghanistanSpain will not be able to rescue all Afghans who served Spanish missions in Afghanistan because of the "dramatic" situation on the ground, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Tuesday.
Afghanistan LIVE Updates: UN Agency Calls For Food Aid For Afghanistan Before Winter
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday called for the international community to donate $200 million in food aid for Afghanistan so essential supplies can be delivered to remote regions before winter.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday called for the international community to donate $200 million in food aid for Afghanistan so essential supplies can be delivered to remote regions before winter.
Afghan Pop Star Aryana Sayeed Blames Pak For Taliban Takeover, Says India True FriendAfghanistan's famous pop star, Aryana Sayeed, who escaped from the Taliban after the takeover of Kabul, has blamed Pakistan for empowering the terrorist outfit and expressed her utmost gratitude to India for helping Afghans during the ongoing crisis.
Taliban Takeover: Germany Says US, Allies Can't Evacuate All Afghans By August 31Western allies will not be able to fly every Afghan who needs protection out of Kabul before the United States' planned August 31 withdrawal deadline, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday.
Taliban Will Be Judged By Deeds, Not Words: Boris Johnson Ahead Of G7 Meet
The Taliban will be judged by its deeds rather than words, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said ahead of chairing an emergency G7 virtual meet to coordinate international response to the Afghan crisis.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the US was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war. This forced Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country to the UAE. Read Here
The Taliban will be judged by its deeds rather than words, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said ahead of chairing an emergency G7 virtual meet to coordinate international response to the Afghan crisis.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the US was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war. This forced Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country to the UAE. Read Here
Taliban's Treatment Of Women Will Mark 'Red Line': UN Rights Chief
The UN rights chief voiced grave concern Tuesday at the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban swept into power, saying their treatment of women would mark a "fundamental red line".
Speaking before an emergency session on Afghanistan, Michelle Bachelet urged the Taliban to honour commitments to respect the rights of women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities, and refrain from reprisals. Read Here.
Spain Warns Will Have To Leave People Behind In Afghanistan
Spain will not be able to rescue all Afghans who served Spanish missions in Afghanistan because of the "dramatic" situation on the ground, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Tuesday. Read Here.
Spain will not be able to rescue all Afghans who served Spanish missions in Afghanistan because of the "dramatic" situation on the ground, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Tuesday. Read Here.
Afghan Evacuation On 'War Footing' As G7 Meets On Taliban Deadline
Widespread chaos punctuated by sporadic violence has gripped Kabul's airport, with Western troops and Afghan security guards driving back crowds desperate to flee following the Taliban's take over of the Afghan capital on Aug. 15. Read Here.
Western countries worked at a "war-footing pace" on Tuesday to get people out of Afghanistan, a NATO country diplomat said, as U.S. President Joe Biden looked set to come under pressure from other G7 leaders to seek more time to complete the airlift.
Widespread chaos punctuated by sporadic violence has gripped Kabul's airport, with Western troops and Afghan security guards driving back crowds desperate to flee following the Taliban's take over of the Afghan capital on Aug. 15. Read Here.
Evacuation From Afghanistan: India Brings Back 78 People
India on Tuesday brought back 78 people, including 25 of its nationals and a number of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus from Dushanbe, a day after they were evacuated from Taliban-besieged Kabul to the Tajik city. The group along with three copies of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, was airlifted from Kabul to Dushanbe by a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Monday. With Tuesday's evacuation, the number of people brought back to Delhi reached over 800 since August 16 when the first group was airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.
UK Says Evacuation Window At Kabul Airport Unlikely To Be Extended
Western governments are unlikely to extend the evacuation window to allow their citizens and Afghans more time to fly out of Kabul airport, Britain's defence minister Ben Wallace said. US President Joe Biden will face pressure to extend an Aug. 31 deadline to evacuate thousands seeking to flee the Taliban in Afghanistan when he meets Group of Seven leaders at a virtual meeting on Tuesday.
Taliban Have Stopped Food, Andarab Valley Situation Dire: Amrullah Saleh
Afghanistan's "acting" President Amrullah Saleh has highlighted the dire "humanitarian situation" in Andarab valley of the northern Baghlan province and accused the Taliban of committing human rights violations in the region.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, MoS MEA V Muraleedharan, BJP leader RP Singh and others receive Swaroop of Shri Guru Granth Sahib that arrived from Afghanistan along with evacuees, at Delhi airport.
#WATCH | Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, MoS MEA V Muraleedharan, BJP leader RP Singh and others receive Swaroop of Shri Guru Granth Sahib that arrived from Afghanistan along with evacuees, at Delhi airport. pic.twitter.com/LfCuzhbe2O
- ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2021
Britain To Push For Sanctions On Taliban At G7 Meeting: Report
Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.
"I'm really disappointed, to begin with. I'm disappointed that they left Afghanistan alone just like that and the Taliban took over entire Afghanistan within a span of few days, it's unbelievable to me," Afghanistan's pop star Aryana Sayeed told ANI.
US Ramps Up Kabul Evacuation Efforts As August 31 Deadline Looms
The US military shuttled thousands more people through the Kabul airport over the past 12 hours, a White House official said Monday, as Washington attempts to complete a daring airlift by an August 31 deadline for troops to leave Afghanistan. Over 10,000 people were evacuated from Hamid Karzai International Airport in the 12 hours up until 3:00 pm Monday (1900 GMT), the official said, updating figures given earlier in the day at the Pentagon. The number of people relocated from Afghanistan on US flights since July is now 53,000, with the vast majority of those since the intense airlift operations started on August 14 as the Taliban moved into Kabul.
Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that India is evacuating 78 passengers including 25 Indian nationals from Afghanistan.
Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan.
- Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 24, 2021
AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an @IAF_MCC aircraft.@IndEmbDushanbe pic.twitter.com/BcIWLzSLrL
Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an Indian Air Force aircraft: MEA Spox Arindam Bagchi
- ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2021
(Pics source: MEA Spokesperson)#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/whyRS9oYtL
G7 Leaders Plan To Pledge Unity On Taliban Recognition, Sanctions: Report
Leaders of the G7 advanced economies are expected to pledge unity on whether or not to officially recognize or sanction the Taliban when they meet virtually to discuss Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to two diplomatic sources. U.S. allies are still smarting from Washington's delays in outreach after Kabul fell on Aug. 15, and foreign diplomats in Washington said cooperation will be a key theme of the call.
Taliban Near Resistance Stronghold Panjshir After Retaking 3 Nearby Areas
The Taliban were in position near the Panjshir valley and had retaken three districts in northern Afghanistan that fell to local militia groups last week, a spokesman said on Monday, though there were no confirmed reports of further fighting. The districts of Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar in the northern province of Baghlan were taken by local militia groups last week in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of the capital Kabul on August 15.
In Rare Crisis Measure, US Mobilizes Commercial Airlines For Afghan Evacuation
The dramatic evacuation of people fleeing Afghanistan will involve a US military-civilian alliance that dates back to 1951 but which has been activated only twice before: in 1990-1991 during the Gulf War and in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq. The Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) is a "cooperative, voluntary program" between the government and private airlines that allows the US military to use commercial aircraft in emergency situations when it needs additional capacity.
Joe Biden Expected To Decide On Afghan Evacuation Deadline In 24 Hours
With thousands of desperate Afghans and foreigners massed at Kabul's airport in the hope of fleeing Afghanistan's new Taliban rulers, US President Joe Biden is expected to decide as soon as Tuesday on whether to extend an August 31 deadline to airlift Americans and their allies to safety. Biden warned on Sunday that the evacuation was going to be "hard and painful" and much could still go wrong. US troops might stay beyond an August 31 deadline to oversee the evacuation, he said.
Taliban warn of 'consequences' as US ramps up evacuation
The Taliban warned Monday there would be "consequences" if the United States and its allies try to remain in Afghanistan beyond next week, as Washington ramped up its efforts to evacuate tens of thousands of people desperate to flee. Thousands of troops have poured back into the country to oversee the chaotic airlift of foreigners and Afghans from Kabul airport, and pressure is mounting on US President Joe Biden to extend an August 31 deadline for full withdrawal. Biden and his Group of Seven counterparts -- several of whom are pushing him to leave soldiers at the airport to keep it open -- will meet Tuesday, with coordination on Afghanistan and how to handle the hardline Islamist Taliban atop the agenda.
