The United States will take out 2.5 thousand evacuated Afghans directly to its territory, and not to third countries, as previously planned, NBC News reported, citing three sources in the administration.
US President Joe Biden earlier announced that the US is evacuating thousands of citizens of the country from Afghanistan who has collaborated with the Americans in the past. They were planned to be taken first to third countries for the period of consideration of applications for permanent residence in the United States.
However, 2,500 Afghans – a relatively small part of the total number of exported – have already passed security checks, and this will allow them to be taken with their families immediately to the United States, a State Department representative and two Pentagon representatives told the TV channel. After passing a medical examination, they will be allowed to remain in the United States as refugees.
Another 10,000 people will be transported to a US military base abroad or in a third country.
It is assumed that the evacuation will begin within a few days, the channel clarifies.
About 20 thousand Afghans who worked with the United States have applied for resettlement in the United States, fearing for their lives after the departure of American troops. The Pentagon intends to withdraw all soldiers from Afghanistan by the end of August, leaving only a small contingent in the country to protect the embassy in Kabul.
