UK Denies Kabul Bombing Report as World Weighs Taliban Response
The UK government has refuted claims that it pressured U.S. forces to keep a gate open at Kabul Airport shortly before a deadly suicide attack last week. Reports by Politico alleged that American troops kept the Abbey Gate open longer than planned to facilitate British evacuation efforts, resulting in the suicide bombing that claimed the lives of at least 170 civilians and 13 U.S. service members.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab dismissed the allegations, stating to Sky News that it was “just not true… that we were pushing to leave the gate open.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office echoed this denial, as British officials sought to distance themselves from the reports.
Evacuation Efforts and Remaining Nationals
The UK, like many Western nations involved in the two-decade-long Afghan conflict, has been racing against time to evacuate its citizens and Afghan allies following the Taliban’s rapid takeover. Raab confirmed that over 17,000 people have been airlifted out of Afghanistan, but acknowledged that a “low hundreds” of British nationals remained in the country. Many of those left behind are believed to be part of larger families or individuals lacking proper documentation.
Global Response to Taliban Takeover
With the U.S. completing its withdrawal on Monday, Afghanistan now faces an uncertain future under Taliban rule. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen declared that Afghanistan had “gained full independence” after the departure of foreign troops. However, concerns persist both domestically and internationally about the nation’s stability and the Taliban’s approach to governance.
Global powers are cautiously deliberating how to engage with the new regime. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Johnson stated, “It’s too early to dictate if and how we would work with the Taliban going forward. A lot will depend on their actions from now.” The United Nations has also warned of an impending humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including the threat of famine.
Economic Challenges Ahead
The recent upheaval has severely impacted Afghanistan’s economy, causing long queues at banks and uncertainty over the Taliban’s access to foreign reserves. The situation has been exacerbated by the mass exodus of citizens fearing for their safety, leading to increased pressure on neighboring countries and the international community.
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UK denies report over Kabul bombing as world weighs Taliban response
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