The first Afghan collaborators evacuated to the United States
An Afghan interpreter (r.) During an interview between American soldiers and an Afghan in 2009 (Illustrative image).
© Kevin Frayer / AP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The first Afghan collaborators of the American army arrived in the United States that night.
200 people were evacuated to avoid suffering reprisals from the Taliban who regained control with the withdrawal of American troops ...
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With our correspondent in New York,
Loubna Anaki
Afghan interpreters, drivers, employees of the American embassy in Kabul, and their families… they arrived at the Washington airport overnight and are staying at the military base in Fort Lee, Virginia for a week.
70,000 requests still pending
These Afghans are the very first collaborators of the American army to be evacuated after almost all American troops have left Afghanistan.
A withdrawal that allowed the Taliban to regain control of many regions.
The executions, the threats have multiplied against all those who have helped the US military over the past 20 years.
In total, 750 people have already passed the long verification procedure to benefit from this evacuation.
With families, that represents 2,500 people.
But according to the American authorities, more than 70,000 requests are still under consideration.
Once on American soil, these Afghans must undergo medical examinations, receive the anti-Covid vaccine.
As soon as their immigration procedure is validated, they will be able to settle permanently in the United States.
In a statement, Joe Biden welcomes them and assures that the United States will keep its promise to those who have helped the military.
►Also read: In Afghanistan, unequal treatment for local army auxiliaries on departure
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United States
Afghanistan
Defense