US President Joe Biden stated Wednesday that he will continue to keep American troops in Afghanistan until all Americans are evacuated. This could even mean that there is a military presence beyond the Aug. 31 deadline.
Biden also responded to criticisms that the U.S. should've done more to prepare for the withdrawal and evacuation. The event has been marred by violence as thousands fled the Taliban advance, and scenes of disarray. Biden was repeatedly asked how the administration would assist Americans who have fled the country since Aug. 31. He replied, "If there are American citizens left, then we're going to stay until they get them all out." More than 15,000 Americans still remain in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of the nation last weekend.
Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary, stated Wednesday that the U.S. military is unable to expand its current mission in Afghanistan from the security of Kabul Airport to the collection and transporting at-risk Afghans and Americans elsewhere in the capital to assist with evacuation.
Reports that some evacuees were stopped at Taliban checkpoints has raised the question of whether they should be saved and taken to the airport.