FILE - A U.S. marine guards entrance of the American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
(CNN)US officials are actively updating emergency evacuation plans for the US embassy in Kabul, as concerns grow about the potential for escalating violence in the country while US troops near a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to a US official and another source familiar with the planning.
The State Department is constantly revising the emergency plans for US embassies worldwide, but the updates are even more urgent and intense in the case of the embassy in Kabul given the changing US military posture and the increased Taliban offenses in the country, the sources said.
In addition to bolstering the physical embassy security with US marines and contractors on the ground, there are now assets and troops in the region -- including at the airport in Kabul and in nearby countries like Qatar -- that are ready to assist if there is a need for an evacuation, the sources said.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the stepped up evacuation planning.
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Update: As Taliban Gains Power, US Plans For Emergency Evacuation Of Embassy In Afghanistan – Reports (The Eurasian Times)
Previous Post: How Long Can The U.S. Embassy In Kabul Stand As The Taliban Make Gains Across The Country (July 2, 2021)
WNU Editor: The U.S. is denying these reports .... US: No Plans to Close Embassy as Fighting Rages in Afghanistan (VOA).
As to what is my take.
I am 99.99% sure that the US State Department already has a plan for an emergency evacuation of its embassy in Afghanistan that would be implemented within a day before the Taliban shows up at the door.
The Taliban is already in Kabul, Watching armored columns is important, but not enough. Spec ops are inserted ahead of armored columns by parachute, gliders, Storch, or foot.
ReplyDeleteThe Taliban or ISIS has spec ops or so they claim The Taliban have been making bomb attacks in Kabul for a long time. Could be a score or few hundred in Kabul now. If they have more they could take the embassy before the State Department knows what is happening. It is how much the Taliban willing to risk with American and Pakistan.
The 600 odd American soldiers left would give a good account of themselves or even win, but it is not a foregone conclusion.
I hope Klain is up to taking 3 AM phone calls, because Joe is not.
LOL!!!!!
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