In light of the deteriorating situation, the US is sending over 3,000 troops to Afghanistan to assist in the evacuation of diplomats and special visa applicants (SIV). These troops will immediately deploy to Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Another 1,000 personnel will be dispatched to Qatar to process Afghans being evacuated and relocated to the United States under special visas. Another 3,500 troops will deploy to Kuwait from a US base to be ready to deploy to Afghanistan if necessary.
According to John Kirby, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the department to “position temporary enabling capabilities to ensure the safety and security of US and partner civilian personnel,” referring to an earlier order from President Joe Biden to reduce US diplomatic presence.
“I want to stress that these forces are being deployed to support the orderly and safe reduction of civilian personnel at the request of the state department and to help facilitate an accelerated process of working through SIV applicants,” Kirby said, adding, “This is a temporary mission with a narrow focus.”
The announcement of the additional deployment came as the Biden administration became increasingly concerned about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan as a result of the Taliban’s rapid advance.
The additional deployment, according to Kirby, will have no impact on the withdrawal timeline, which is expected to be completed by the end of August.
For the security of its embassy and personnel, the US planned to keep about 650 troops after the drawdown was completed. However, it is now bolstering its presence. Despite the fact that it is only a temporary measure, Kirby gave no indication of how long they intend to stay.
