KABUL (SW) – Following Monday’s deadly scenes at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, the US Embassy has asked citizens not to come to the facility unless notified.
In a brief note on Twitter, Ross Wilson, Chargé d’Affaires to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan said he and his staff remain in Kabul and are working to help thousands of US citizens and vulnerable Afghans.
“@USEmbassyKabul staff & I remain in #Kabul working hard to help 1000s of U.S. citizens and vulnerable Afghans & continuing engagement here. Our commitment to the Afghan people endures”, he tweeted.
The US Embassy has also issued a statement pleading the potential travelers not to rush to the airport unless they are notified.
It has notified that the security situation in Kabul continues to change quickly, including at the airport hence the U.S. citizens should continue to shelter in place.
“U.S. citizens must complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart”, stated the embassy.
The Taliban’s spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, assured humanitarian workers and diplomats that their security would be ensured. “We assure all diplomats, embassies, consulates, and charitable workers, whether they are international or national that not only no problem will be created for them on the part of IEA (Islamic Emirate of Taliban) but a secure environment will be provided to them, Inshallah”, he tweeted late on Monday.
There were also reports of the Taliban conducting searches in homes, particularly in the western quarters of the city.
ENDS
