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Nowzad / dpa
It is not easy to save someone from Afghanistan these days. There are many tragic examples of this. For a long time, things did not look good for a British ex-soldier's private rescue mission either. But late on Friday evening, Paul Farthing was finally allowed to fly out with 170 of his protégés on board a private charter plane. With him were dogs and cats, animals from an animal shelter he founded. His Afghan employees had to stay behind in Kabul, reports the British "Sun".
In order for it to get that far, Farthing had drummed a lot on social networks for his cause.
But the British Ministry of Defense blocked itself.
Minister Ben Wallace told him that people threatened by the Taliban must first be brought to safety.
He later also said the whole matter had taken too much time.
In the end, however, the public pressure became too great, Wallace gave in, and a path opened up.
"Saving people was obviously more important"
The UK Ministry of Defense said on Twitter that farthing is being supported by British forces.
The soldiers ensured a safe passage through the chaos at Kabul airport and guided him through the Taliban checkpoints.
Two of his Afghan employees accompanied Farthing to the last possible point.
Then it was the end of the line for them and their ways parted: Farthing took off in the direction of Tashkent, from where he will travel home.
His helpers stayed behind.
Farthings tried to escape on Thursday.
At this point in time with around 70 people at his side and the animals.
But because of the confusing situation on site after the fatal attack and the lack of documents, they had no chance.
The government in London has since announced that it will end the British rescue mission on Saturday.
The last flight for civilian passengers only has already started.
The remaining machines are reserved for soldiers, it said.
Those seeking protection with an exit permit would still have space in an emergency.
But there are still plenty of them not only on the lists of the English.
So what will become of Farthing's employees is uncertain.
When asked about the case by the BBC, Defense Secretary Wallace said, "The choices are difficult, but obviously saving people was more important."
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