The Massive Airlift Out Of Afghanistan

The fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021 sparked one of the largest airlifts in history. The US airlifted 124,000 people out of Kabul over about six weeks as the American-backed Afghan military and government fell to the Taliban. The evacuation, mostly on military cargo jets, prioritised American citizens, US permanent residents, special visa holders, and those whose work would likely make them eligible, along with their families. The flights also carried people considered particularly vulnerable to Taliban retribution or their harsh rule, including journalists and human rights advocates.

The US airlifted 124,000 people from Kabul over six weeks

The evacuation process was chaotic and dangerous, with thousands of Afghan civilians rushing to the airport in a desperate attempt to flee the country. US soldiers used helicopters and fired warning shots to control the crowds. During this time, there were reports of people falling from aircraft, being crushed to death, and being killed in stampedes. The US also faced threats from ISIS-K, a sworn enemy of the Taliban, who were lurking among the crowds. Despite these challenges, the US successfully evacuated its citizens, Afghan allies, and other vulnerable Afghans.

The evacuees were first flown to military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Germany before making their way to the US. The entire operation covered a distance of over 8,000 miles. The US Air Force played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees, providing medical services, delivering babies, distributing aid, and conducting vaccination campaigns.

While the US airlifted a significant number of people, the work is not yet done. There are still American citizens and vulnerable Afghans who remain in Afghanistan and require assistance to escape Taliban rule. The US government, along with private organizations, continues to work towards evacuating those who are still at risk.

The evacuation was one of the largest in history

The evacuation of Afghanistan was one of the largest airlifts in history. Over 120,000 people were airlifted from Kabul in just two weeks, making it the largest humanitarian airlift evacuation of civilians ever led by the U.S. The evacuation was a feat of logistics and stamina, but it was also chaotic and violent.

The U.S. airlifted 124,000 people out of Kabul over about six weeks as the American-backed Afghan military and government fell to the Taliban. This included about 6,000 American citizens. The evacuation was completed on August 30, one day before a deadline agreed upon with the Taliban.

The evacuation was carried out by nearly 800 civilian and military aircraft from more than 30 nations. The U.S. alone evacuated about 82,300 people from Hamid Karzai International Airport between August 14 and 25, including U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other vulnerable Afghans.

The airlift was a massive undertaking that involved multiple countries and organizations. The U.S. military pulled off its biggest day of evacuation flights on August 23, with 28 flights carrying about 10,400 people to safety. The U.S. also conducted helicopter rescue missions beyond the airport to retrieve Americans.

The evacuation was not without its challenges. There were often-lethal turmoil and crushing crowds outside the airport, making it difficult and dangerous for people to get in. A suicide bombing on August 26 killed 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, and there were warnings of additional attacks. Despite these challenges, the evacuation was a historic accomplishment.

The US military, diplomats and intelligence professionals risked their lives

The US military, diplomats, and intelligence professionals faced enormous challenges during the Afghanistan evacuation. They had to navigate a rapidly deteriorating security situation, with the Taliban advancing swiftly and the Afghan government collapsing. The evacuation was further complicated by the need to destroy sensitive documents and equipment at the US Embassy, as well as the presence of ISIS-K terrorists—sworn enemies of the Taliban—among the crowds.

US personnel worked tirelessly to get American citizens, vulnerable Afghans, and citizens of allied nations onboard planes and out of the country. They faced a crush of enormous crowds, with thousands of desperate people rushing to Kabul Airport, leading to chaotic and dangerous scenes. Despite these challenges, the US military maintained security at the airport, ensuring that evacuation flights could take off.

The evacuation effort was a massive undertaking, involving thousands of troops, hundreds of aircraft, and multiple bases around the world. The US military, diplomats, and intelligence professionals demonstrated incredible skill, bravery, and selfless courage in carrying out their mission. They risked their lives to help others, not for professional gains, but to serve others in a mission of mercy. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of more than 120,000 people to safety.

The evacuation was not without casualties, however. Thirteen US service members were killed, and twenty others were wounded during the operation. Their sacrifice underscores the dedication and bravery of those involved in the evacuation effort.

The US military, diplomats, and intelligence professionals faced immense challenges during the Afghanistan evacuation, but their skill, courage, and dedication ensured the safe departure of tens of thousands of people. Their efforts were critical in preventing an even greater humanitarian crisis and saving countless lives.

13 US troops lost their lives during the evacuation

On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport gate killed 13 U.S. service members and wounded 18 others. The attack was one of the deadliest days for American forces in the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The bombing was carried out by ISIS-K, a sworn enemy of the U.S. and the Taliban.

The 13 fallen service members included 11 Marines, one Army soldier, and one member of the Navy. They were:

• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
• Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California
• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah
• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee
• Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California
• Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts
• Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri
• Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
• Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska

The U.S. House of Representatives posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to these service members, who were honoured as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of American ideals while saving the lives of others.

The evacuation included American citizens, Afghan allies, and vulnerable Afghans

The evacuation of Afghanistan was one of the largest airlifts in history. Between 14 and 25 August 2021, the US alone airlifted about 82,300 people from Hamid Karzai International Airport, including US citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other vulnerable Afghans. In total, over 122,000 people were airlifted abroad. The evacuation was completed on 30 August, one day before a deadline agreed upon with the Taliban.

American Citizens

The evacuation included about 6,000 American citizens. Since then, the US government has facilitated the departure of 479 American citizens (and immediate family), and 450 Lawful Permanent Residents (and immediate family).

Afghan Allies

The evacuation included Afghan allies, such as those who had worked as translators and interpreters for the US military. Afghan allies were also granted Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Since the evacuation, the US has continued to facilitate the departure of Afghan allies, including those who worked with the US military or American-backed projects.

Vulnerable Afghans

The evacuation included vulnerable Afghans, such as women, children, journalists, human rights advocates, and members of ethnic minorities. Since the evacuation, the US has continued to facilitate the departure of vulnerable Afghans, including those at risk of Taliban retribution.

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