WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden, rejecting criticism of his handling of the chaotic US pullout from Afghanistan, warned on Friday that the operation to evacuate thousands through Kabul airport carries risks and promised Americans there that "we will get you home."
Biden, in a speech and answering questions from reporters, dismissed criticism that the administration misjudged the speed with which the Taliban would take over Afghanistan and that he was slow to start evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies of the 20-year long US presence there.
Biden called the airlift one of the largest, most difficult of its kind. Amid US concerns about the possibility of a militant attack in Kabul, Biden said the operation is risky.
"Make no mistake, this evacuation mission is dangerous. It involves risks to our armed forces and it's being conducted under difficult circumstances. I cannot promise what the final outcome will be or that it will be without risk of loss. But as commander in chief, I can assure you that I will mobilize every resource necessary," he said.
Facing sharp criticism on Afghanistan, Biden to speak on evacuations
The United States is desperately trying to evacuate thousands of people from Afghanistan by an Aug. 31 deadline, although Biden said this week that US troops at Kabul airport providing security for the evacuation could stay longer if necessary.
Biden is counting on cooperation from the Taliban, the Islamist militant group that the United States fought. The Taliban ousted the Kabul government a week ago as US forces withdrew, plunging Biden into his biggest foreign policy crisis.
Biden said US officials are in constant contact with the Taliban. He warned the group that "any attack on our forces or disruption of our operations at the airport will be met with a swift and forceful response."
"Any American who wants to come home, we will get you home," he said.
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