WP, NYT and Other US Media Also Rush Afghan Withdrawal

Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal
Joint Petition Submitted Requesting Government Assistance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As the Islamic militant group Taliban has regained control of the Afghan government, major U.S. media outlets are also hastening the evacuation of their local staff.

On the 16th (local time), The Washington Post (WP) reported that three major U.S. newspapers, including itself, The New York Times (NYT), and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), have requested President Joe Biden's assistance to ensure the swift departure of Afghan local employees and their families.

It is reported that a total of 204 employees are currently waiting to depart at Kabul Airport in Afghanistan.

The publishers of the three media outlets issued a joint petition the previous day, stating, "Local staff have worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to deliver news to audiences worldwide," and appealed, "They are now trapped in Kabul and their lives are in danger."

Additionally, Fred Ryan, publisher of WP, sent an email on behalf of the three media companies to Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, requesting the government to safely evacuate the endangered local employees.

Furthermore, WP announced plans to assist local staff and their families in applying for visas in third countries.

Meanwhile, as crowds surged at Kabul International Airport, the capital of Afghanistan, flights of military aircraft were temporarily suspended following the suspension of commercial flights.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.