KABUL, AUG 18 (DNA) – The US has said that Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul is secure and now open to all civilian air traffic.

A statement by CENTCOM reads that the US is now taking control of the airport to ensure the reinforcement of US military and evacuation of US nationals and their Afghan colleagues.

Commander of CENTCOM General Frank McKenzie who is senior US commander in the region has met with senior members of the Taliban in Doha and cautioned them against meddling in the evacuation and reinforcement process.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also warned the Taliban to be facing swift and forceful response in case they attack any US military personnel or national in Kabul.

Meanwhile, officials in Hamid Karzai International Airport and authorities of Afghanistan Islamic Emirate though did not say anything about the traffic in the airport, White House has said that over 3,200 people have been evacuated from Kabul until August 17

As per the statement of White House, the people which include US citizens, permanent residents, and their families from Afghanistan as of August 17, have been vacated by US Military flights.

The White House statement reads that 2,000 Afghan applicants of SIV have been evacuated among them 1,100 on Tuesday alone. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concern over the chaotic situation in Hamid Karzai International Airport where people have been pushed back and beaten.

The NSA added that they are engaged with the Taliban to ask them to avoid such sort of behavior with those seeking refuge. The US though has expedited the evacuation of its nationals and their Afghan colleagues, UK has asked Joe Biden to further cooperate in relocating vulnerable Afghans.

The UK in a recent announcement promised to welcome up to 20,000 Afghans and their families who are in danger in Afghanistan. = DNA

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