The Taliban has told the United States it will provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday.
Sullivan also told a White House news briefing that the United States believes the Kabul evacuation can go until Aug. 31 and it is talking to the Taliban about the exact timetable. The United States and Western allies have been scrambling to evacuate diplomats and civilians after Taliban forces swept back into power, with thousands of Americans still in the country.after the collapse of Afghanistan's military and government following swift advances by Taliban forces.
Sullivan said it is premature to say whether the United States recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate governing power in Afghanistan. Sullivan said most people seeking to leave Afghanistan have been able to reach the airport, but the United States is addressing with the Taliban some reports of people being turned away.
Psaki said the United States is prioritizing the evacuation of American citizens, embassy employees and their families, locally employed Afghan staff and holders of and applicants for Special Immigrant Visas available to interpreters and others who assisted the United States in Afghanistan.
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