The United States on Tuesday ordered the departure of non-essential staff from its embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, highlighting increased threats as the US military prepares to leave the country after 20 years of war.
Read also: Afghanistan: "With the withdrawal of American troops, we women risk losing everything"
The State Department said it had "
ordered the departure from the United States Embassy in Kabul of employees of the United States government who could perform their duties elsewhere
." The decision was taken "
in light of the increase in violence and threats in Kabul,
" said Ross Wilson, the acting US ambassador to the Afghan capital.
He estimated that the order would affect only a "
relatively small number
" of employees, which he did not specify, and that the embassy would continue to operate. "
Personnel absolutely necessary for matters relating to the withdrawal of US forces and the vital work we are doing in support of the Afghan people will be allowed to remain in place,
" Wilson tweeted. The US government plans to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 2001 attacks that led Washington to overthrow the Taliban regime.
President Joe Biden felt that US forces had achieved their goals, but many analysts believe the withdrawal could plunge Afghanistan into another civil war or allow the Taliban to return to power. According to an agreement with Donald Trump's administration, the Taliban pledged not to attack US troops during their withdrawal, but they have stepped up their offensives against the Afghan authorities.
The State Department, which again advised US nationals against traveling to Afghanistan, said "
terrorist and insurgent groups continue to plan and execute attacks
" in the country. The Biden administration will maintain limited forces in Kabul to protect the US embassy there.
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