The Afghan pilots who fled to Tajikistan around the time the Taliban toppled the U.S.-backed government may be able to leave soon.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby during Tuesday’s briefing said, “Approximately 191 Afghan evacuees, including pilots, remain in Tajikistan and our embassy there sourcing to expedite their departure.”
AUSTIN SIGNS OFF ON INVESTIGATION FINDING NOTHING ILLEGAL IN BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN STRIKE
They were preparing to board a flight on Tuesday, which was arranged by the U.S. government, but it was apparently delayed, according to Reuters. The pilots spent much of the day at the airport in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, for the scheduled flight.
“We expect that they’ll be able to depart Tajikistan soon, but we are not in control of the timeline,” Kirby added.
Afghan pilots trained by the United States fled in large numbers around the time the Taliban overthrew the government in mid-August, knowing that they would likely be targeted.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Those who ran to Tajikistan were detained by local authorities as the U.S. engaged in talks for their departure.
Other Afghan pilots fled to Uzbekistan, and the U.S. brokered a deal in September to allow them and other military personnel to be flown out and to the United Arab Emirates.
