The United States Embassy in Kabul warned people in Afghanistan the U.S. government cannot guarantee safe passage to the airport in the capital, where evacuations are underway after the Taliban takeover of a majority of the country.
“THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CANNOT ENSURE SAFE PASSAGE TO THE HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,” the embassy said in a statement Wednesday. “U.S. government-provided flights are departing. U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) should consider travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport.”
The embassy additionally urged the public not to call for flight information, noting officials will provide necessary information via updates when possible.
“Do not travel to the airport until you have been informed by email that departure options exist,” the statement read. “We will continue to provide periodic updates to this message.”
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The memo comes after reports a Taliban-aligned gunman opened fire on a crowd in the Kabul airport as people attempted to evacuate.
U.S. officials have also been made aware of reports claiming Taliban actors are blocking travel to the Kabul airport.
“Deputy Sec of State Wendy Sherman says the State Dept has seen the stories of Taliban blocking checkpoints to the Kabul airport,” journalist Meredith Lee reported via Twitter. “She says US is working through those issues with the Taliban, which [White House national security adviser Jake] Sullivan yesterday said had agreed to allow Americans & Afghans through.”
U.S. officials previously claimed the Taliban assured international authorities that individuals evacuating would not be harassed or attacked. The Taliban publicly stated those who wished to leave Afghanistan would be free to go.
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U.S. citizens inside Afghanistan have been told to report to designated airports with identification and their passports if possible. However, the embassy reports it will attempt to help individuals regardless of papers provided.
“The U.S. Embassy will prioritize U.S. citizens and LPRs and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21). All intending passengers should bring identity documentation to the best of their ability (U.S. passport, LPR card, even if expired),” the embassy said.
Individuals intending to evacuate the country must fill out an online form providing information for transport coordinators. People approved for evacuation are given confirmation and flight details via email.
