Pressure mounts for him to extend it.
President Biden says he is sticking with his August 31 deadline to complete the U.S.-led evacuations from Afghanistan, the White House press secretary said Tuesday. The decision reflects in part the U.S. military’s concern about heightened security threats to the massive airlift that began ten days ago.
A Taliban spokesman, speaking prior to word of the president’s decision, reiterated that the militant group would oppose any extension, while saying he is allowing the airlift to continue without major interference.
Pressure has grown for President Biden to extend his deadline, both from members of Congress, veterans groups, and foreign allies. It remains unclear whether the airlift from Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport can get all American citizens and at-risk Afghans out on time.
The president has, however, asked his national security team to create contingency plans in case a situation arises for which the deadline needs to be extended.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the military will need “at least several days” to fully withdraw its several thousand troops and their equipment from Kabul. He said commanders are still aiming for an August 31 departure. He said there is enough time to get all Americans out, but he was less specific about completing the evacuation of all at-risk Afghans.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that talks with the Taliban were continuing as the administration looks for additional ways to safely move more Americans and others to the Kabul airport by the end of the August deadline. He said ultimately it will be the president’s decision alone whether to continue military-led evacuation operations beyond August 31.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Biden to seek the Lord for guidance and wisdom with respect to the evacuation operations and the August 31 deadline.
- For the tens of thousands of Americans who are believed to still be on the ground in Afghanistan, many unable to leave their homes or get to the airport.
- For the Afghan evacuees and the resettlement challenges ahead of them.
Sources: Fox News, Newsmax
