15, 000 Afghans and British evacuated out of Kabul

The final flight left on Saturday from Kabul airport bringing to an end the UK’s 20-year military involvement in Afghanistan, as more than 15, 000 people have been evacuated by the UK since 14 August 2021. Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key, who ran the Uk’s evacuation said he would be “very nervous” in saying the withdrawal was success until all th allied had left.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was a chance to reflect on the achievements of recent weeks and of the last two decades such as girls’ education and weakening al-Qaeda. According to No 10 the number of people evacuated including around 2, 200 children, with the youngest just one day old, with around 5, 000 British nationals and their families were airlifted alongside more than 8, 000 Afghan former UK staff and their families and those considered at risk from the Taliban.

The Prime Minister said the UK’s involvement in Afghanistan “kept al-Qaeda from our doors for two decades and we are all safe as a result.”

Downing Street said the evacuation included the Royal Airforce’s single biggest capacity flight ever, with 436 people carried on a C-17 aircraft.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he thought around 1, 100 eligible Afghan would be left behind along with around 150 Britons – some of those were staying willingly.