After 20 years of military presence, Afghanistan is now under Taliban rulership after the group took control of Kabul on Sunday.
After decades of war, the rapid withdrawal of American and British troops saw the Taliban arrive at the gates of Kabul on Sunday and regain control with little resistance.
Dominic Raab said several countries were “caught off guard” by the swift and hostile nature of the militant group’s takeover, which prompted Afghans to flee the country.
He added that the British intelligence services were following “very carefully” what was happening on the ground in Afghanistan after the United States decided to reduce its troops in the country.
About 900 armed forces are in Afghanistan to help bring British nationals home and keep some Afghans safe.
Mr Raab said 150 British nationals were airlifted on Sunday while 289 Afghan nationals were evacuated last week.
350 more Britons and Afghans will be taken out of the country in the next 24 hours.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce a “tailor-made” resettlement program to allow fleeing Afghans to settle in the UK shortly.
Joe Biden’s tough stance on Afghanistan
Biden questioned the failure of Afghan troops to defend their country. (PA / Canva)
It follows US President Joe Biden’s speech to the American people on Monday night.
While acknowledging that “the scenes in Afghanistan are heartbreaking,” he took a firm stand regarding US involvement in Afghanistan.
Biden questioned the failure of Afghan troops to defend their country when he doubled down on his decision to withdraw from the country.
He said: “It is wrong to order US troops to step up their efforts when Afghan forces do not. ”
He added: “How many more generations of American daughters and sons would you want me to send to fight when the Afghans would not?”
How did the British engagement in Afghanistan start and what was the impact on British troops?
On October 7, 2001, nearly a month after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, then Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed that British forces were involved in US-led military action. United against Al Qaeda training camps and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Allied airstrikes have started.
In November, the first British troops were deployed to Afghanistan when the Royal Marines of 40 Commando helped secure Bagram Airfield.
The 20-Year War in Afghanistan saw hundreds of British servicemen sustain life-changing injuries, with more than 450 deaths recorded.
What’s going on now?
Kabul Airport where the 16th Air Assault Brigade is working with US forces to evacuate civilians. (PENNSYLVANIA)
Thousands of nationals and foreigners have tried to flee the country since the Taliban took control.
At least five people are believed to have died in desperate attempts to board flights leaving the country, some hanging on the outside of planes.
Taliban militants insist they want to see a peaceful takeover, but thousands are still trying to flee the country.
Photos of women not wearing burqas and in beauty salons were painted to express concern for the women and girls in the capital.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres led an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council amid “frightening” reports on the current situation in Afghanistan.
During an emergency session of the UN Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan, Guterres urged the Taliban to stand up for human rights, especially for women and girls.
He told the meeting: “We are receiving appalling reports of severe human rights restrictions across the country.
“I am particularly concerned at the stories of growing human rights violations against women and girls in Afghanistan, who fear a return to the darkest days.
“The international community must unite to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or refuge for terrorist organizations.
How can I help?
British citizens and dual nationals residing in Afghanistan are processed before being transferred to the United Kingdom. (PENNSYLVANIA)
Images and videos circulating on social media and reports from the Afghan capital have left many desperate to help those in danger.
There are several ways you can help.
Write to your MP
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) said more than 2,500 Afghans are awaiting refugee status.
Parliament is recalled on Wednesday where ministers will discuss the crisis.
People have taken to social media to urge fellow Britons to write to their local MPs, you can find out who it is here.
People even shared templates to make it easier.
Please take a moment to email your MP about the situation in Afghanistan.
I have worked with a few colleagues to draft a draft here to make it easier for all of you. Please feel free to use it. https://t.co/TBomC3NBK2
You can find out who your local MP is …
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-08-18 04:01:00
