The US Air Force has decided not to take any disciplinary action against the C-17 aircraft crew that flew out of Kabul airport in Afghanistan during the abrupt and chaotic evacuation of American forces even though human body parts were discovered in the wheel’s well when the plane landed in Qatar.

The inquiry concluded that the crew “acted appropriately” in departing the Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, in August 2021.

In a statement released on Monday, they said that the crew used sound judgment "in their decision to get airborne as quickly as possible when faced with an unprecedented and rapidly deteriorating security situation."

"The aircrew's airmanship and quick thinking ensured the safety of the crew and their aircraft. After seeking appropriate care and services to help cope with any trauma from this unprecedented experience, the crew returned to flight status," the US Air Force also said Monday.

On August 16, a day after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and ousted the civilian government, hundreds of people reached the airport to take the US aircraft in a bid to leave the country fearing retribution from the Taliban and the return of fundamental Islamist laws.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-calls-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan-extraordinary-success-409816">President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success'</a>

Photos and videos from the site revealed desperate citizens running on the airport's tarmac alongside a US Air Force C-17 transport plane. A lot of people were seen clinging onto the plane’s wheels and falling several thousand feet from the air when the plane was airborne.

The Biden administration had come under heavy criticism over the “mishandling” withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and delay in evacuation efforts of civilians working for the US government when the Taliban gained more territory across the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Air Force has decided not to take any disciplinary action against the C-17 aircraft crew that flew out of Kabul airport in Afghanistan during the abrupt and chaotic evacuation of American forces even though human body parts were discovered in the wheel’s well when the plane landed in Qatar.

The US Air Force has decided not to take any disciplinary action against the C-17 aircraft crew that flew out of Kabul airport in Afghanistan during the abrupt and chaotic evacuation of American forces even though human body parts were discovered in the wheel’s well when the plane landed in Qatar. The inquiry concluded that the crew “acted appropriately” in departing the Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, in August 2021. In a statement released on Monday, they said that the crew used sound judgment "in their decision to get airborne as quickly as possible when faced with an unprecedented and rapidly deteriorating security situation." "The aircrew's airmanship and quick thinking ensured the safety of the crew and their aircraft. After seeking appropriate care and services to help cope with any trauma from this unprecedented experience, the crew returned to flight status," the US Air Force also said Monday. On August 16, a day after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and ousted the civilian government, hundreds of people reached the airport to take the US aircraft in a bid to leave the country fearing retribution from the Taliban and the return of fundamental Islamist laws. Also read | President Joe Biden calls US evacuation from Afghanistan 'extraordinary success' Photos and videos from the site revealed desperate citizens running on the airport's tarmac alongside a US Air Force C-17 transport plane. A lot of people were seen clinging onto the plane’s wheels and falling several thousand feet from the air when the plane was airborne. The Biden administration had come under heavy criticism over the “mishandling” withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and delay in evacuation efforts of civilians working for the US government when the Taliban gained more territory across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Air Force absolves crew that flew with Afghans amidst abrupt evacuation from Kabul

Thousands of Afghans trying to escape the misery at home have flocked to their country's southern border with Pakistan, but their attempts to get across have been stopped by the Taliban.

Zakariullah, sitting on a dirt road in the trading town of Spin Boldak only a few hundred metres from Pakistan, says he has been turned back more than half a dozen times, sometimes violently.

"They say only people from the area with papers," Zakariullah, a 25-year-old farmer and father of three, told AFP on the weekend.

"We want to cross the border to work there because there are no jobs here."

The new Taliban rulers insist Afghans need to stay and rebuild their conflict-ravaged country.

"They tell people 'It's your country. You should not leave," said 25-year-old Rahmadin Wardak, who was also trying to flee.

On the other side, their Pakistani counterparts in Chaman were also stopping those attempting to cross.

"Every day, 8,000 to 9,000 people try to cross the border without having the necessary papers, and are turned back," one Taliban border guard, Mullah Maulvi Haqyar, told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-fire-shots-at-kabul-women-protesting-for-right-to-study-417115">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study</a>

Maulvi Noor Mohammad Saeed, a Taliban official in Kandahar province, confirmed the authorities were asking "people and families to not leave the country".

"Doing that, you lose respect for your Afghan culture," he told AFP.

Sticks and pipes

At the border, only day labourers and traders -- all young men wearing traditional flat pakol hats and sweating under the weight of their goods -- were allowed to cram into a narrow corridor topped with barbed wire that led to the next checkpoint.

A second corridor for other travellers lay mostly empty, with a few exceptions including elderly men and women loaded onto wheelbarrows seeking urgent healthcare in Pakistan.

But scores of Afghans are eager to leave a country on the verge of economic collapse since the Islamists seized power in mid-August and foreign aid money dried up.

Jobs have vanished while farmers are struggling with the impact of a drought.

The United Nations has warned a third of the population is facing the threat of famine.

Zakariullah, whose farmland was 600 kilometres in Kabul province, said he now hoped to find work in Pakistan. He would then send for his wife and children to join him.

But, like many others at the border crossing, the journey to Spin Boldak has stripped away his meagre savings.

Mohammed Arif said he left his home in Nangarhar in the east because he had "no money, no food to feed my eight children".

Commotion erupted outside the border office as hundreds pleaded with the Taliban to let them through, during a visit by AFP on the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-women-run-studio-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417039">Also read |&nbsp;WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul</a>

Guards wielding sticks and pipes tried to control the frenzied scene as a crush of people pushed to get across to sell their possessions -- and keep hunger at bay for a few more hours.

None of them made it.

Critical situation

Before the Covid pandemic and recent upheavals, the border was mostly open, with few restrictions for the tens of thousands who crossed daily.

But when the Taliban seized Spin Boldak early on in their dizzying offensive, Pakistan shut the gates and left huge crowds of stranded travellers to amass on both sides.

The crossing reopened when the hardline group ousted the US-backed government and assumed power in mid-August.

More Afghans arrived, fearing the Taliban would return to their brutal rule in the 1990s.

"At first, lots of people could cross," said Sami Ul Haq, who monitors the crossing point for the UN refugee agency UNHCR. "Before we had up to 24,000 people coming a day."

There were few restrictions at the crossing during the last two weeks of August, but then the Taliban and Pakistanis clamped down.

And on Thursday, the Taliban said they were shuttering the gates completely in protest against Pakistan -- which has repeatedly said it would not accept Afghan refugees -- accusing officials of creating hurdles for Afghans with the right papers.

The UNHCR has meanwhile not reported huge movements of people towards the borders.

With the war over, some Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have even returned.

But the agency last month said it was preparing contingency plans for up to 500,000 rushing into neighbouring countries by the end of the year.

"We need to prepare in case any change inside the country could trigger a massive displacement," Bertrand Blanc, a UNHCR senior emergency officer, told AFP in Islamabad.

"For the moment, we are in a wait and see the situation."

Thousands of Afghans trying to escape the misery at home have flocked to their country's southern border with Pakistan, but their attempts to get across have been stopped by the Taliban.

Thousands of Afghans trying to escape the misery at home have flocked to their country's southern border with Pakistan, but their attempts to get across have been stopped by the Taliban. Zakariullah, sitting on a dirt road in the trading town of Spin Boldak only a few hundred metres from Pakistan, says he has been turned back more than half a dozen times, sometimes violently. "They say only people from the area with papers," Zakariullah, a 25-year-old farmer and father of three, told AFP on the weekend. "We want to cross the border to work there because there are no jobs here." The new Taliban rulers insist Afghans need to stay and rebuild their conflict-ravaged country. "They tell people 'It's your country. You should not leave," said 25-year-old Rahmadin Wardak, who was also trying to flee. On the other side, their Pakistani counterparts in Chaman were also stopping those attempting to cross. "Every day, 8,000 to 9,000 people try to cross the border without having the necessary papers, and are turned back," one Taliban border guard, Mullah Maulvi Haqyar, told AFP. Also read | Watch: Taliban fire shots at Kabul women protesting for right to study Maulvi Noor Mohammad Saeed, a Taliban official in Kandahar province, confirmed the authorities were asking "people and families to not leave the country". "Doing that, you lose respect for your Afghan culture," he told AFP. Sticks and pipes At the border, only day labourers and traders -- all young men wearing traditional flat pakol hats and sweating under the weight of their goods -- were allowed to cram into a narrow corridor topped with barbed wire that led to the next checkpoint. A second corridor for other travellers lay mostly empty, with a few exceptions including elderly men and women loaded onto wheelbarrows seeking urgent healthcare in Pakistan. But scores of Afghans are eager to leave a country on the verge of economic collapse since the Islamists seized power in mid-August and foreign aid money dried up. Jobs have vanished while farmers are struggling with the impact of a drought. The United Nations has warned a third of the population is facing the threat of famine. Zakariullah, whose farmland was 600 kilometres in Kabul province, said he now hoped to find work in Pakistan. He would then send for his wife and children to join him. But, like many others at the border crossing, the journey to Spin Boldak has stripped away his meagre savings. Mohammed Arif said he left his home in Nangarhar in the east because he had "no money, no food to feed my eight children". Commotion erupted outside the border office as hundreds pleaded with the Taliban to let them through, during a visit by AFP on the weekend. Also read | WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul Guards wielding sticks and pipes tried to control the frenzied scene as a crush of people pushed to get across to sell their possessions -- and keep hunger at bay for a few more hours. None of them made it. Critical situation Before the Covid pandemic and recent upheavals, the border was mostly open, with few restrictions for the tens of thousands who crossed daily. But when the Taliban seized Spin Boldak early on in their dizzying offensive, Pakistan shut the gates and left huge crowds of stranded travellers to amass on both sides. The crossing reopened when the hardline group ousted the US-backed government and assumed power in mid-August. More Afghans arrived, fearing the Taliban would return to their brutal rule in the 1990s. "At first, lots of people could cross," said Sami Ul Haq, who monitors the crossing point for the UN refugee agency UNHCR. "Before we had up to 24,000 people coming a day." There were few restrictions at the crossing during the last two weeks of August, but then the Taliban and Pakistanis clamped down. And on Thursday, the Taliban said they were shuttering the gates completely in protest against Pakistan -- which has repeatedly said it would not accept Afghan refugees -- accusing officials of creating hurdles for Afghans with the right papers. The UNHCR has meanwhile not reported huge movements of people towards the borders. With the war over, some Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have even returned. But the agency last month said it was preparing contingency plans for up to 500,000 rushing into neighbouring countries by the end of the year. "We need to prepare in case any change inside the country could trigger a massive displacement," Bertrand Blanc, a UNHCR senior emergency officer, told AFP in Islamabad. "For the moment, we are in a wait and see the situation."

No escape from Taliban: Thousands of Afghans' hopes crushed as exit routes shut

Amid the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, US Secy of State, Antony Blinken thanked Qatar for supporting US evacuations. 'No country has done more than Qatar,' he said. 'Qatar served 10,000 meals, 3 times a day,' he said.

US Secy of State, Antony Blinken thanks Qatar for supporting US evacuations

How US-built 'Ninja bomb' with 'halo of long blades' destroyed ISIS-K target in Afghanistan

A team of SAS fighters has volunteered to avenge the deaths of 13 US troops killed in an airport suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The diehard squad is said to have 40 members who have asked to stay in the country in order to fight the terrorist group Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K).

The Special Air Service (SAS) is a British Army special forces unit. The unit specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance, among other things.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-rockets-fired-towards-kabul-airport-intercepted-by-us-defence-system-report-409275">Also read | Several rockets fired towards Kabul airport, intercepted by US defence system: Report</a> 
 
According to sources, the SAS party is likely to establish a base along the lawless Afghan-Pakistan border in order to conduct covert operations against the ultra-violent Islamic State Khorasan Province jihadists based in eastern Afghanistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-militants-surround-tv-anchor-during-news-show-as-video-goes-viral-409309">Watch: Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show as video goes viral</a>

Their base will also be used by the Royal Navy's SBS special forces, the US Army's Delta Force, and the US Navy Seals – the unit responsible for the assassination of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in 2011. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-accuses-ashraf-ghani-of-fleeing-the-country-with-money-409242">Also Read:&nbsp;Taliban accuses Ashraf Ghani of fleeing the country with money</a>

Drones and strike planes from the United States and possibly the United Kingdom will assist the troops.&nbsp;

The bomb and gun attack that killed 170 people on Thursday was carried out by ultra-violent Islamic State Khorasan Province jihadists based in eastern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In the first act of retaliation for the airport attack, US troops carried out a drone strike on an IS-K "planner" and another member of the jihadist group.

"Initial indications are that we killed the target," American forces said in a statement.There have been no civilian casualties that we are aware of."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of SAS fighters has volunteered to avenge the deaths of 13 US troops killed in an airport suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. The diehard squad is said to have 40 members who have asked to stay in the country in order to fight the terrorist group Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K).

A team of SAS fighters has volunteered to avenge the deaths of 13 US troops killed in an airport suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. The diehard squad is said to have 40 members who have asked to stay in the country in order to fight the terrorist group Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K). The Special Air Service (SAS) is a British Army special forces unit. The unit specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance, among other things. Also read | Several rockets fired towards Kabul airport, intercepted by US defence system: Report According to sources, the SAS party is likely to establish a base along the lawless Afghan-Pakistan border in order to conduct covert operations against the ultra-violent Islamic State Khorasan Province jihadists based in eastern Afghanistan. Watch: Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show as video goes viral Their base will also be used by the Royal Navy's SBS special forces, the US Army's Delta Force, and the US Navy Seals – the unit responsible for the assassination of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in 2011. Also Read: Taliban accuses Ashraf Ghani of fleeing the country with money Drones and strike planes from the United States and possibly the United Kingdom will assist the troops. The bomb and gun attack that killed 170 people on Thursday was carried out by ultra-violent Islamic State Khorasan Province jihadists based in eastern Afghanistan. In the first act of retaliation for the airport attack, US troops carried out a drone strike on an IS-K "planner" and another member of the jihadist group. "Initial indications are that we killed the target," American forces said in a statement.There have been no civilian casualties that we are aware of." (With inputs from agencies)

These 40 fighters to stay in Afghanistan to avenge the deaths of 13 US troops

Amid the rocket attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-drone-strike-on-explosive-laden-car-in-kabul-409269">Kabul airport</a> on Monday, the US continued its evacuation operation at the Hamid Karzai international airport.

Reports said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hibatullah-akhundzada-talibans-reclusive-leader-set-to-play-key-role-in-afghanistan-409338">Taliban </a>has assured a hundred countries that all foreign nationals and any Afghan citizen with travel authorisation will be allowed to leave the country.

The countries said it "citizens, nationals and residents, employees, Afghans who have worked with us and those who are at risk can continue to travel freely to destinations outside Afghanistan."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-afghans-and-women-want-to-go-out-it-is-up-to-them-to-decide-ex-afghan-pm-gulbuddin-hekmatyar-409371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US has reportedly evacuated 114,400 people, including foreign nationals and "at-risk" Afghans with the number of US troops at the airport reported to be below 4,000 over the weekend.

Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden's national security adviser had said that the US administration will make sure "after August 31 "safe passage" is provided for any "American citizen, any legal permanent resident".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-militants-surround-tv-anchor-during-news-show-as-video-goes-viral-409309">Watch: Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show as video goes viral</a>

Sullivan had said the Taliban had assured the Biden administration "privately and publicly" that it would provide "safe passage" to people required by the US government.

The development comes as the US chases a stiff&nbsp;deadline with just hours left for the evacuation operation to be completed. President Joe Biden had earlier declared August 31 to be the final date for the departure of&nbsp;all US personnel from the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chance-of-another-911-just-went-through-the-roof-says-republican-senator-lindsey-graham-on-afghanistan-409364">Also Read:&nbsp;Chance of another 9/11 just went through the roof, says Republican Senator Lindsey Graham</a>&nbsp;

On Monday rockets were fired at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-rockets-fired-towards-kabul-airport-intercepted-by-us-defence-system-report-409275">Kabul airport</a> as reports said it was intercepted by the US defence system. At least 5 rockets were reportedly fired at the airport by militants.

President Biden on Sunday had warned of another terrorist attack within the "next 24-36 hours" as the US conducted a drone strike on a suspected explosive-laden vehicle in Kabul.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid the rocket attack on Kabul airport on Monday, the US continued its evacuation operation at the Hamid Karzai international airport. Reports said the Taliban has assured a hundred countries that all foreign nationals and any Afghan citizen with travel authorisation will be allowed to leave the country.

Amid the rocket attack on Kabul airport on Monday, the US continued its evacuation operation at the Hamid Karzai international airport. Reports said the Taliban has assured a hundred countries that all foreign nationals and any Afghan citizen with travel authorisation will be allowed to leave the country. The countries said it "citizens, nationals and residents, employees, Afghans who have worked with us and those who are at risk can continue to travel freely to destinations outside Afghanistan." Watch: The US has reportedly evacuated 114,400 people, including foreign nationals and "at-risk" Afghans with the number of US troops at the airport reported to be below 4,000 over the weekend. Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden's national security adviser had said that the US administration will make sure "after August 31 "safe passage" is provided for any "American citizen, any legal permanent resident". Watch: Taliban militants surround TV anchor during news show as video goes viral Sullivan had said the Taliban had assured the Biden administration "privately and publicly" that it would provide "safe passage" to people required by the US government. The development comes as the US chases a stiff deadline with just hours left for the evacuation operation to be completed. President Joe Biden had earlier declared August 31 to be the final date for the departure of all US personnel from the country. Also Read: Chance of another 9/11 just went through the roof, says Republican Senator Lindsey Graham On Monday rockets were fired at Kabul airport as reports said it was intercepted by the US defence system. At least 5 rockets were reportedly fired at the airport by militants. President Biden on Sunday had warned of another terrorist attack within the "next 24-36 hours" as the US conducted a drone strike on a suspected explosive-laden vehicle in Kabul. (With inputs from Agencies)

Flights take off from Kabul airport as US withdrawal enters final stage

The Pentagon said that there had been no change so far in Joe Biden's plan to meet the evacuation deadline for Afghanistan by the end of the month and that the pace of evacuations is picking up in Kabul.

Pentagon sticks to August 31 deadline for troops withdrawal

Pentagon says no change in timeline of Afghan withdrawal

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