US Reissues Terror Risk Warning Near Kabul Airport... Emergency Evacuation Operation Underway

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] On the 28th (local time), with only three days left until the U.S. government’s deadline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, a terror threat warning was issued around Kabul Airport, urging U.S. citizens to leave immediately, putting evacuation operations on high alert.

According to foreign media including AFP, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a security alert stating, "There is a specific and credible (terror) threat," and "All U.S. citizens near Kabul Airport must leave the airport immediately."

The embassy specifically mentioned terror threats at the South (Airport Circle) Gate, the Ministry of Interior main building, and the gate near the Panjshir gas station northwest of the airport.

Recently, the U.S. government has issued similar warnings to its citizens multiple times. On the 25th, a security alert was also issued advising to avoid traveling to Kabul Airport and to leave the airport entrances. This alert came just hours after President Joe Biden warned of the possibility of additional terror attacks.

Earlier, President Biden stated in a release, "The situation on the ground remains extremely dangerous, and the threat of airport terror attacks is still high," adding, "Military commanders have said there is a very high likelihood of attacks within 24 to 36 hours."

As the U.S. withdrawal deadline approaches its final stage, the issuance of another security alert has inevitably disrupted evacuation efforts. Thousands of Afghans hoping to escape remain, but given the local situation, it is unlikely that all will be able to flee.

On the 26th, due to airport terror impacts, roads leading to the airport were blocked or access to airport gates was mostly restricted. With the U.S. withdrawal deadline just three days away, the U.S. plans to complete civilian evacuations and focus on returning military personnel. The U.S. Department of Defense stated that about 350 U.S. citizens still wish to leave Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban took control of Kabul, the U.S. has evacuated a total of 113,500 people over the past two weeks.

Meanwhile, most European countries have completed their withdrawals from Afghanistan. The United Kingdom ended its evacuation operation on this day, and France declared its completion the day before.

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