Taliban: We are determined to ensure safe passage for foreigners and Afghans

The Taliban on Thursday reiterated its commitment to providing foreign countries with full support for the evacuation of their nationals from Kabul airport.

An official in the movement told Reuters: “We’re working to facilitate a safe passage not only for foreigners but for Afghans as well.”

Earlier, Washington announced that the Taliban had promised to provide safe passage for thousands of civilians seeking to reach Kabul airport in preparation for leaving Afghanistan.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House: “The Taliban have told us they are ready to ensure a safe passage for civilians to the airport, and we will hold them responsible for this pledge.”

He noted that Washington is also “talking” with the Taliban about the timetable for evacuating thousands of Americans and Afghans by US aircraft.

Sullivan also made clear in his testimony that the US believes the evacuation in Kabul could continue until August 31.

The president’s national security adviser acknowledged that a “significant amount” of U.S. military equipment was in Taliban hands.

US forces at the airport halted evacuation flights on Monday because of the chaos caused by waves of Afghans who wanted to leave the country after the Taliban took control.

The United States and 65 other countries said in a joint statement that Afghan citizens and foreigners who want to flee Afghanistan “must be allowed to do so,” warning the Taliban that they must take “responsibility” in the matter.