Most of the California families stranded in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s overthrow of Kabul arrived in the United States on special immigrant visas, according to officials.
The families received the visas after members worked with the U.S. government or military during America’s 20-year campaign in the country, potentially placing them at severe risk of facing the Taliban’s revenge.
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Reports have come out of Afghanistan that Taliban fighters are targeting Afghans who fought with and supported U.S. and allied forces.
One former interpreter who worked with American service members was reportedly pulled out of his car and beheaded by the Taliban in May.
The 24 El Cajon Valley children, as well as 16 parents, were stranded after going to Afghanistan to visit extended family earlier in the summer.
At least one group returned to the U.S., according to the Cajon Valley School District. Many misplaced Americans have been blocked from reaching Kabul’s airport by the large crowd of Afghans hoping to flee their country.
Fraidoon Hassemi, an Afghan working as a district community liaison, has spoken with the families, according to the Associated Press.
Since being stranded, they have witnessed shootings and violence around the airport, he said.
At least 24 students from El Cajon are stranded in Afghanistan. I’m working diligently to determine the best ways to help those trapped return home safely. I won’t stop until we have answers and action.https://t.co/MaXf3yFg29
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) August 25, 2021
“Nobody is doing well,” he said. “They are trying their best to get to the airport, get to their gates, and get on an airplane. The situation is very horrible.”
The children, who range from preschool to high school, are likely to require support after returning home, Hassemi said.
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“I’m sure they are going to be affected emotionally,” he said. “Their teachers miss them. We all miss them. We hope to see them all back to school.”
