“The security situation in Kabul is changing quickly, including at the airport,” read a security alert from the embassy on Sunday. “There are reports of the airport taking fire; therefore we are instructing US citizens to shelter in place.”
State Dept warning US citizens not to come to Kabul airport (presently taking fire), Acting US Amb has just fled the embassy. It’s a debacle. pic.twitter.com/qux9etS3jO
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) August 15, 2021
The embassy had for days been urging Americans in Afghanistan to leave the country, offering them assistance in purchasing plane tickets out. As the Taliban encircled the Afghan capital on Sunday, helicopters ferried embassy staff to the airport, where the US’ diplomatic mission would be rehoused.
