Wristband barcodes used for US evacuations from Afghan capital

KABUL, Afghanistan

US forces in the airport in the Afghan capital Kabul are using wristbands with computer barcodes to control evacuations, according to reports from the scene.

After the Taliban took control of Kabul, evacuation efforts continue at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

In the run-up to Aug. 31, which the US had set as a deadline for evacuation from Kabul, efforts gained momentum at the airport, as security forces working there continue evacuation work day and night.

People who wear a wristband with a barcode issued by US soldiers are recorded in the system before boarding planes out of the country.

US President Joe Biden today said 28,000 people had been evacuated from Kabul since Aug. 14, adding that evacuations may go past Aug. 31.

The Taliban responded by calling Aug. 31 a “red line.”

Taliban insurgents seized control of Kabul on Aug. 15, with the president and other top officials leaving the country.

The unexpected power grab triggered a rush to flee Afghanistan, including civilians who assisted foreign soldiers or groups and now fear Taliban retribution.