Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Four of his ribs were broken
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Marwan al-Barghouti lost consciousness after a brutal assault by Israeli occupation soldiers
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip have not stopped, and just a short while ago, fishermen came under fire from boats
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces carry out a large explosion in the eastern neighborhood of the town of Mays al-Jabal in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media: Israeli political leadership decides to open Rafah crossing “as planned” and transfer aid to Gaza Strip.
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh

Austin Says US Considered Prolonged Civil War Scenario

  • By Al Mayadeen
  • Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
  • 19 Aug 2021 07:47
2 Min Read

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assures that the US mission is to “secure that airfield, defend that airfield, and evacuate all those who have been faithful to us”.

  • x
  • US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chief of Staff Mark Milley in Washington, August 18, 2021 (AFP).
    US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chief of Staff Mark Milley in Washington, August 18, 2021 (AFP).

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said "we have a moral obligation to help those that have helped us over the past 20 years of our presence and work in Afghanistan," adding that “our mission is to secure that airfield, defend that airfield, and evacuate all those who have been faithful to us”.

During a media briefing at the Pentagon, Austin told reporters that the number of US forces in Kabul is 4,500 and that the Taliban “are not interfering with our operations”.

Furthermore, US Defense Secretary vowed that the US is “going to evacuate everybody that we can physically and possibly evacuate and we’ll conduct this process for as long as we possibly can.” He added the US is coordinating with the Taliban to create passageways for people to get to the airfield.

Austin said the operations will increase as efforts to bring out US citizens and  Afghans continue, while at the same time the US will deconflict with the Taliban.

“It’s obvious, we’re not close to where we want to be in terms of getting the numbers through,” Austin said. 

Related News

Iraqi Resistance warns against US intrusions, urges protection of PMF

US to withdraw from Syria bases, retain one in al-Hasakah

When asked about those who are unable to reach the gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul due to Taliban checkpoints, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "I don't have the capability to go out and extend operations currently into Kabul."

The Defense secretary’s admission comes after the US Embassy in Kabul issued a dire warning to US citizens there stating that it “cannot ensure safe passage” to the airport.

On his account, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said intelligence showed “multiple scenarios” were possible, including an “outright Taliban takeover.” Others included a prolonged civil war. 

“Nothing that I, or anyone else, saw indicated a collapse of this army and government in 11 days,” Milley added.

Furthermore, a US State Department official was quoted by AFP stating the Taliban is reportedly blocking Afghans from reaching Kabul’s international airport to flee the country, breaking their commitments to the US.

The Taliban swept into Afghanistan’s capital Sunday after hasty US withdrawal, promising a peaceful transition.

  • US
  • Afghanistan
  • Kabul
  • Kabul Airport
  • US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
  • US occupation forces
  • Taliban

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Freed Palestinian detainee al-Arida expresses gratitude to Al Mayadeen.
Politics

Freed Palestinian detainee Mahmoud al-Arida salutes Al Mayadeen

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez gestures as he speaks at the Global Progress Action Summit, in London, Friday, September 26, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Spain to maintain arms embargo on ‘Israel’ despite ceasefire

Israeli excavators work in the Gaza Strip as the sun sets, seen from southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian clans condemn chaos in Gaza, back security forces

The sun sets behind buildings destroyed during the Israeli aggression in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli regime cuts Gaza aid to 300 trucks, blocks fuel and gas

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS