U.S. speeds up Afghanistan evacuation

Some 10,400 people boarded 28 U.S military flights that took off out of Kabul in the 24 hours from Sunday to early Monday. It was one of the busiest days since the evacuations began. White House officials said 15 C-17 flights carried out another 6,660 people over the next 12 hours. The United States has airlifted and aided the evacuation of about 37,000 people since Aug. 14.

Why the change in pace? Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said coordination with the Taliban has allowed more evacuees to get to the airport. U.S. officials said a military helicopter also picked up 16 American citizens Monday outside the airport and brought them onto the airfield for evacuation. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to urge President Joe Biden to extend the Aug. 31 withdrawal deadline during a virtual G-7 summit on Tuesday. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had warned on Monday that the date is a “red line” and extending the stay of U.S. troops would “provoke a reaction.”

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