US President Joe Biden to this day is still facing immense criticism and pressure over the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan. In another address from the White House regarding the situation, Biden said that the US allies are not questioning the country’s credibility amidst the chaos.
Biden addressed the press over the weekend at the White House regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. Biden and his administration have faced criticism regarding the planning of the withdrawal. They have also faced criticism over the rapid takeover of the Taliban in the country.
“I have seen no question of our credibility from our allies,” Biden said to the press. “As a matter of fact…the exact opposite I’ve got..We’re acting with dispatch, we’re acting, committing to what we said we would do.”
Biden’s remarks come as the US was forced to use three helicopters to bring 169 Americans into the complex at Kabul airport from a building 200 meters away, according to the Pentagon. Along with the US, other western nations are scrambling to keep up with evacuation efforts while leaders have called for an extension of the August 31 date set by Biden.
The US leader said that every American that wants to go home will be able to go home. Biden added that 18,000 people have been transported out of Afghanistan since July. Lawmakers from both political parties in the US have called for Biden to make an extension.
Last week Friday, the evacuation efforts were temporarily paused for over six hours as US officials have looked for countries that could accept Afghan refugees. The evacuation efforts resumed shortly after the temporary pause.
Also during the weekend, Biden said that his administration is considering extending the evacuation deadline. Biden acknowledged the dire situation of the ongoing evacuations as reports have come in regarding clashes at Kabul airport that contributed to the chaotic situation.
“The evacuation of thousands of people from Kabul is going to be hard and painful no matter when it started, when we began,” said Biden, who added that they can only hope that they would not have to resort to extending the deadline.