#Afghanistan: The security situation in Kabul is changing quickly. There are reports of the airport taking fire; therefore U.S. citizens should shelter in place. U.S. citizens wanting assistance in departing the country- read instructions here: https://t.co/GWTt3APise pic.twitter.com/6k4qkwcYI0
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) August 15, 2021
Then There is This:
Americans trapped in Kabul told to fill out an online evacuation form as Taliban take over
"U.S. citizens wanting assistance in departing the country should register for any option that might be identified to return to the United States, and must complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group," the embassy notice said.
"Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart. Please do so as soon as possible. You must complete this form even if you’ve previously submitted your information to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul," it said.
As late as Thursday, State Department spokesman Ned Price had said there was no such thing as an evacuation either in the works or taking place.
"This is not abandonment. This is not an evacuation. This is not the wholesale withdrawal. What this is (is) a reduction in the size of our civilian footprint," Price told reporters Thursday, according to ABC News. "The embassy remains open and we plan to continue our diplomatic work in Afghanistan."
However, reflecting the fact that times have changed, the emergency notice posted by the embassy Sunday said anyone with questions should not bother phoning.
In fact, it said in boldface type:
"Do not call the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight. This form is the only way to communicate interest in flight options."
As of Sunday afternoon, it was unclear who would even be able to flee the country.
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