Western nations warn of Kabul airport terror threat amid evacuations
(Update 1: Adds info on UK, France, Denmark, alters lede, headline.)
Sydney, Australia, Aug 26 (EFE).- A growing number of Western nations Thursday have warned their citizens and visa holders in Afghanistan to stay away from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul due to a “high threat” of a terrorist attack amid evacuation operations.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a “do not travel” notice to those trying to reach evacuation flights in the wake of the Taliban takeover.
“The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile and dangerous. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds,” reads Canberra’s updated travel advisory for the country Thursday.
“There’s an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack. Do not travel to Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport. If you’re in the area of the airport, move to a safe location and await further advice,” it added.
Australia has so far evacuated 4,000 people on 29 military flights.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office issued the same guidance.
British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told Sky News that an “imminent, lethal attack” could happen within a matter of hours.
The UK has airlifted 11,500 people out of Afghanistan since the Taliban retook power on Aug. 13, according to the Ministry of Defense.
The warnings come as evacuation operations from Kabul airport continue against the clock, with scenes of despair and chaos among the thousands of people trying to board flights out of the country.
