US 'Main' Diplomatic Staff Withdrawn from Afghanistan
On early Monday morning, the US missile defense system intercepted rockets aimed at Kabul Airport as the chaotic evacuation hours unfolded, with the United States evacuating its diplomats from Afghanistan, Reuters reported.
By Tuesday, American forces are expected to be withdrawn from Kabul. Two American officials announced that the 'main' diplomatic staff was evacuated on Monday morning. They did not specify whether Ambassador Ross Wilson was among them, as he is expected to be the last to leave the country before the troops withdraw.
In recent days, Washington has warned of further attacks from ISIS following last week's terrorist incident near Kabul Airport. The US concurrently carried out two airstrikes against ISIS targets, including one on Sunday that thwarted a suicide bomber attempting to detonate a vehicle.
American officials have stated that the evacuation will continue on Monday, prioritizing individuals at high risk. Following the withdrawal of American forces on Tuesday, Kabul Airport will come under full control of the Taliban, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing an unidentified Taliban source.