"Don't Forget Me" Biden's Rescued Interpreter Responds... White House Promises to "Get Them Out"

Interpreter Rescued Biden Who Was Stranded in Afghanistan 13 Years Ago

On February 20, 2008, the helicopter carrying then U.S. Senator Joe Biden (third from the right) for a commemorative photo before an inspection in Afghanistan made an emergency landing in a mountainous area the next day. The local interpreter who helped rescue them at the time was unable to escape from Kabul. The interpreter is not in the photo. /Photo by U.S. Department of State

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] When U.S. President Joe Biden was trapped in a snowstorm 13 years ago, the interpreter who helped rescue him has still not escaped Afghanistan and has asked for help. The White House responded, "We will get you out of there."

According to USA Today, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reminded of President Biden's promise last month on the 31st (local time) to use diplomatic means to rescue any Afghan seeking to escape, stating, "We will get you out of there. We respect your dedication. We do exactly what we promise."

Earlier, the U.S. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "Mohammed (alias) helped rescue President Biden, who was stranded in the mountains of Afghanistan 13 years ago. Now he is asking President Biden to save him," adding, "When the U.S. military launched the last transport plane from Kabul the day before, he, hiding in a shelter, contacted them saying, 'I cannot leave home. I am too scared.'"

He also reportedly pleaded, "Hello, Mr. President. Please save me and my family. Do not forget that I am here."

Previously, Mohammed was dispatched to rescue Biden, who was then a senator, on February 21, 2008, when he was stranded in the mountainous region of Afghanistan. The helicopter carrying President Biden made an emergency landing about 16 km away from the site of a large-scale battle between U.S. forces and Taliban insurgents the day before.

A mercenary from the private military company Blackwater, who worked with Mohammed, told WSJ that Mohammed helped not only with interpretation but also in persuading and controlling local residents during the operation, adding, "He was assigned guard duty for more than 30 hours in subzero temperatures." He further said, "When entering difficult areas, the U.S. military sometimes gave Mohammed weapons because they trusted him so much."

President Joe Biden. /Photo by Yonhap News

Mohammed, who had long assisted the U.S. military, was eligible to apply for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). In June, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Teal wrote a letter stating, "His selfless dedication is the kind of example we want to show Americans." However, the issuance of special visas for him and his family was halted due to the loss of some documents by the defense contractor Mohammed worked for.

Afterward, Mohammed attempted to escape by heading to Kabul International Airport with his family without any plan. However, it is reported that the U.S. military only allowed Mohammed to enter the airport, blocking his wife and children from entering.

Upon hearing about Mohammed's situation, his former comrades reportedly called U.S. lawmakers to earnestly request his escape. Sean O'Brien, a colleague, said, "If you can only help one Afghan, you should choose him (Mohammed). He deserves it."

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