US says 32 more nationals, permanent residents have left Afghanistan

WASHINGTON

Thirty-two additional US citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) have been able to depart Afghanistan, the US announced on Friday.

The tally includes 19 US citizens who left the Taliban-controlled country aboard a Qatar Airways flight, as well as two other nationals and 11 green card holders who fled overland, according to National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne.

"Today’s departures demonstrate how we are giving Americans clear and safe options to leave Afghanistan from different locations," Horne said in a statement.

"A number of Americans have taken these options; some have decided not to, for a variety of reasons. That is their right. We understand these are difficult decisions. We will continue to provide proven options for leaving. It is up to Americans who remain whether they choose to take them," she added.

The announcement comes one day after the Taliban allowed the first commercial flight to depart Afghanistan following the completion of the US and allied nation withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Horne said on Thursday the Taliban were "businesslike and professional" after they allowed the charter flight carrying foreigners, including American nationals and permanent residents, to depart the country.

The plane had been blocked from departing Afghanistan by the Taliban after they assumed control of the country in a military offensive that ousted the US-backed internationally-recognized government. A 300,000-strong force trained and equipped by NATO collapsed in the face of the sprawling Taliban campaign.

Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Kabul has been swarmed by people seeking a way out of the country, many of them civilians who worked with foreign forces or groups and now fear retribution.

About 6,000 American citizens and lawful permanent residents have been pulled out from Afghanistan, according to the Biden administration. The White House pegged the number of those who remain in the war-torn country at roughly 100 on Thursday.