Newsweek: 7 Armed US Civilians Heading to Afghanistan Arrested in Dubai
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A report by Newsweek states that seven armed US civilians attempting to make their way to Afghanistan in a private jet via the UAE were arrested on August 31.
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Taliban deploys its members in Kabul and the airport premises
Newsweek reported, after reviewing a State Department cable, that seven armed US civilians attempting to make their way to Afghanistan in a private jet via the UAE were arrested on August 31.
What were the armed civilians' intentions?
The seven members were detained last Tuesday and were later released on bail by local police at Dubai International Airport after having "arrived on a private plane carrying firearms," the State Department cable mentioned.
"The passengers reportedly planned to assist Afghanistan evacuation efforts but had no approved onward travels plans," the cable read, adding that the US Consulate General in Dubai contacted the relevant authorities over the issue.
"Chaotic" evacuation concluded
It is worth mentioning that on August 31, the last US military plane left Afghanistan, indicating the end of a 20-year war and a chaotic evacuation that involved US officials, western countries, and private groups airlifting tens of thousands of people, mostly Afghan personnel who worked with the US government.
As the US began to leave, roughly a year a half after a peace accord with the Taliban, the latter swept the country, making nationwide gains and quickly taking the capital, leaving Afghanistan once again under the control of the “Islamic Emirate” 20 years after the post-9/11 US-led invasion.
But even as the evacuation was concluded, it seems that some were poised to take matters into their own hands.
Arrest confirmed
After Newsweek contacted the State Department, the latter confirmed the unreported arrest.
"We are aware of reports of US citizens detained and then released in Dubai," a State Department spokesperson said. "Whenever a US citizen is detained overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular services. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time."
