Defense

Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis

The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.

Defense

Afghanistan Airlift Ops Have Rescued 101,300 From Kabul

But numbers out each day are dropping as Taliban tighten grip on airport, security threats rise.

Defense

Biden Holds to Aug. 31 Evacuation Deadline, But Orders Up ‘Contingency Plans’ for Afghanistan Pullout

Military, contracted planes have airlifted 87,900 people from Kabul as of Wednesday—but the Taliban is now clamping down on who can leave.

Exclusive Defense

Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base

Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.

Defense

US Helicopters Rescued 169 Americans Outside Airport; More Ops Could Follow

Biden “will mobilize every resource necessary” to save more, but U.S. has yet to test Taliban checkpoints. Meanwhile, fuel-strained air operations resume.

Breaking News Defense

It Really Was 800+ Afghans on That Plane. They Forgot to Count the Kids.

The iconic photo of Reach 871, the packed U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane, touched people around the world—and highlighted the dire situation now facing Afghans.

Defense

At Kabul Airport, 2,000 Marines Provide Security and Process Evacuees

Meanwhile, the airfield perimeter is mostly held by soldiers of the 82nd Airborne.

Defense

An Afghan American Scholar Describes His Fear-Filled Journey from the Chaos at Kabul Airport to a Plane Bound for Home in the U.S.

Hanif Sufizada got caught in Kabul as the Taliban took over. A scholar and resident of the US who works at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Sufizada describes his experience trying to leave.

Defense

Afghanistan Veterans Struggling With News of Taliban Takeover

Advocates encourage veterans to use VA, veteran service organization resources for help.

Defense

U.S. Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day

American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport

Defense

Foreign Governments Scramble To Leave Afghanistan Amid Violence and Chaos

"It’s sad that the West has done what it’s done," says UK defense secretary as NATO, UN, G7 react to Taliban takeover.

Defense

Inside Reach 871, A U.S. C-17 Packed With 640 Afghans Trying to Escape the Taliban

The Air Force evacuation flight from Kabul to Qatar came near the record for most people ever flown in the Boeing airlifter.

Defense

Some Veterans Say Republicans are Blocking Their Ability to Vote

Democrats and veterans groups say the bill would expand access to early and mail-in voting, which can make voting easier for disabled veterans

Defense

Pentagon Sends 3,000 Troops to Secure Kabul Airport as US Evacuates Embassy Staff, Interpreters

Secretary Austin is also requesting additional military aircraft be ready to assist, rapidly get personnel out.