Foreign Officials Living In Afghanistan Asked To Leave Immediately
The war in Afghanistan is reported to have gotten worse with at least 104 civilians killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 10 days.
The United Kingdom and the United States have both advised its foreign officials and citizens living in Afghanistan to leave the region immediately.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Developments Office’s (FCDO) website communicated its message against travels to Afghanistan. “The level of consular assistance the British Embassy can provide in Afghanistan is extremely limited, including in a crisis. Do not rely on the FCDO being able to evacuate you from Afghanistan in an emergency.”
The FCDO advised all British nationals to leave “by commercial means because of the worsening security situation.”
It advises that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Afghanistan. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication. You should note an overall increased threat to Western interests in Kabul.”
This notice comes after increasing violence in the Afghan region as the Taliban captures more territory and engages in increasing targeted killings of journalists, human rights activists, and government officials.
The United States has also relayed messages to its citizens advising them to leave the country. A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said, “The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options.”
The U.S. Embassy has called out the Taliban, stating its actions has been “unacceptable and contradict its claim to support a negotiated settlement in the Doha peace process.”
The war in Afghanistan is reported to have gotten worse with at least 104 civilians killed in Lashkar Gah in the last 10 days.
Atrocities by the Taliban had sparked concerns resulting in the U.S. and U.K.’s governments limiting their operation. The U.S. Embassy said in a statement, “Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited even within Kabul.” However, the Embassy can provide repatriation loans for U.S. citizens who are having difficulties (financially) affording tickets.
The U.S. Embassy released a security alert on August 7 stating, “U.S. citizens should enroll in the Safe Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and ensure the Embassy can contact you in an emergency. In the event of a future official evacuation flight, the Embassy would notify U.S. citizens enrolled in STEP of available assistance.”
On Friday, the Taliban’s consistent attack on officials, such as the assassination of the director of the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Dawa Khan Menapal, worsens the peace process. Amidst increasing insecurity and the capture of the second provincial capital, the safety of its citizens is a priority for the U.S. and the U.K government.