Republican demands info from State Department on delayed Afghanistan flights
In a recent development, a Republican congressman has raised concerns over the State Department’s handling of citizens trying to leave Mazar-i-Sharif Airbase in Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal. Rep. Warren Davidson from Ohio has demanded answers from Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the blocking of planes from departing the airbase, the decision-making process for clearing flights, criteria for delaying flights, and communication with the Taliban.
Following the withdrawal, reports emerged that around 1,000 individuals, including Americans, were stranded at Mazar-i-Sharif Airport, waiting for approval for their charter flights to leave. Many had traveled 400 miles from Kabul to the northern Afghanistan airport for a quicker exit.
Flight organizers revealed that the State Department failed to inform the Taliban of flight approvals in Mazar-i-Sharif or confirm a landing site. Col. Francis Hoang, who assisted in evacuations with Allied Airlift 21, highlighted the challenges faced in protecting nearly 400 people from the Taliban for weeks.
During a hearing, Rep. Davidson directly questioned Secretary Blinken about the State Department’s alleged blocking of American citizens from leaving Mazar-i-Sharif. Despite Blinken’s denial, Davidson presented emails and photos of American citizens with clearance to depart to safe third countries, claiming orders came from the U.S. government.
This testimony comes after the Foreign Affairs Committee previously recommended holding Blinken in contempt for his refusal to testify on the Afghanistan withdrawal. A GOP report released in September criticized the State Department for lacking a plan to evacuate Americans and allies while troops were still present.
The report highlighted how U.S. Ambassador Ross Wilson expanded the embassy’s presence despite warnings of an imminent Taliban takeover. Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul criticized Blinken for disregarding collapse warnings from embassy staff.
Secretary Blinken defended the Biden administration’s withdrawal, stating that every American who wished to leave was given the opportunity, and thousands of Afghans were resettled internationally. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to seek the resignation of officials involved in the Afghanistan crisis.
Democrats attribute the tumultuous end of the 20-year war to a deal negotiated by Trump with the Taliban for U.S. withdrawal. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding the Afghan withdrawal and the need for accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.
