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US says 'small number' of Americans in Afghanistan ahead of deadline

Exact figure unclear, but official estimate hovers around 300 with one day left

Michael Hernandez  | 30.08.2021 - Update : 30.08.2021
US says 'small number' of Americans in Afghanistan ahead of deadline

WASHINGTON

There are a "small number" of Americans who remain in Afghanistan ahead of the rapidly approaching deadline President Joe Biden set for the withdrawal of US troops, the White House announced on Monday.

To date, roughly 6,000 Americans have been evacuated from the war-torn country, or have otherwise departed Afghanistan, spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House. The US originally estimated that about 6,000 nationals were in Afghanistan.

"We believe there are still a small number," who remain, Psaki said. She did not have an exact number, but said the administration would provide one "as soon as possible."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken estimated the number of Americans who told the administration they want to leave but have yet to depart Afghanistan, to be about 300.

"We are very actively working to help them get to the airport, get on a plane, and get out of Afghanistan," he said during an interview with a Sunday morning news program.

Biden set Aug. 31 for the deadline to withdraw all American service members from Afghanistan, though a contingent of Marines was originally planned to stay to guard the US embassy.

Those plans, however, were thrown asunder by the Taliban's rapid military takeover of the country, and it is unclear what type of diplomatic presence Washington will maintain in Afghanistan following the withdrawal if any.​​​​​​​

To date, the US has evacuated over 122,000 people from Afghanistan, including Afghans who are seeking refugee status, as well as third-party nationals.

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