Pentagon authorizes deployment of additional troops in Afghanistan, totaling more than double initial force
The order comes amid efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens from Kabul.
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The order comes amid efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens from Kabul.
On Sunday, an additional 1,000 troops have been authorized by the United States Department of Defense to be sent into Afghanistan to aid in the chaotic evacuations taking in place in the capital city of Kabul as the Taliban take over the city.
According to Reuters, the additional troops bring “the total number of troops expected in Afghanistan temporarily to 6,000."
An official, speaking with Reuters on condition of anonymity, said "the additional 1,000 troops would come from the 82nd Airborne Division, which had already been on standby."
Footage from the airport in Kabul show panicked crowds on airstrips unable to get in or out out with no reported international flights leaving the ground, and sounds of gunfire nearby.
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View on XIt would be highly unlikely that these troops would be flying into Bagram Air Base, the closest US Military air base to Kabul, which the military had left in early July after the Biden administration pulled troops out of the country.
According to NBC News, Afghan troops that were left at Bagram reportedly surrendered to the Taliban on Sunday.
Two defense officials speaking on conditions of anonymity said that the Taliban has reportedly started to release prisoners from the Parwan Detention Facility, which according to NBC some of those prisoners "were hardened Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters."
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