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Pentagon: 3000 troops en route to Kabul
Despite the impending withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan on August 31, the Pentagon just announced it is sending 3,000 more US troops to Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
According to Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby, the additional troops are being sent to “Provide additional security at the airport and facilitate civilian personnel leaving the embassy.” These civilians can range from diplomatic staff to contractors, to Afghan nationals applying for visas.
The troops heading to Kabul are already within the theater, according to Kirby. Kirby also would not confirm which troops were being sent, but unconfirmed sources has speculated it would be Marines.
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When asked whether or not the troops would be taking over the security at the airport, Kirby said, “I wouldn’t go that far.” He also briefly mentioned that Turkish troops are still in charge of security at Karzai.
To add to this, Kirby stated, “We believe that it (the number of troops) is appropriate to the security situation now.”
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Though Kirby would not confirm or deny that this is a combat mission, he reasserted that, “Our troops will as always have the right of self-defense.”
Earlier today, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the embassy is not closing, and the U.S. will continue to operate consular services and special immigrant visa applications.
“This is not an abandonment,” Price said. He went on to explain, “This is not an evacuation. This is not a wholesale withdrawal.”
While Kirby noted that, “We do anticipate an increased need for U.S. airlifts. We do expect additional U.S. airlift requirements.” Although US forces are still currently conducting air strikes in Afghanistan, the Pentagon stated that they have no plans to use the Karzai airport to carry out additional airstrikes.
