BACK
Biden warns lives could be lost in Kabul airlift
www.bbc.com

Biden warns lives could be lost in Kabul airlift

The US president is facing a firestorm of criticism for the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan.

Politics

US President Joe Biden has acknowledged the evacuation of Americans from Afghanistan is "not without risk of loss".

Speaking at the White House, Mr Biden said the US had evacuated 13,000 people to date in "one of the largest, most difficult airlifts in history".

Mr Biden is promising to bring home all remaining Americans, along with 50-65,000 Afghans who helped US troops.

Click to continue reading

He has faced international criticism over the Taliban's rapid takeover.

"Any American who wants to come home, we will get you home," said Mr Biden, who cut short his holiday to address the crisis.

Taking questions from reporters, the president said the US military would make the "same commitment" to Afghan allies hoping to leave, before adding the evacuation of US citizens was the "priority".

"Make no mistake, this evacuation mission is dangerous. It involves risks to our armed forces and it's being conducted under difficult circumstances," said Mr Biden.