Today, the last C-17 lifted off from Kabul at 3:30 PM ET. Thanks to the men and women serving in uniform, we have now completed the largest airlift in U.S. history. Here is a closer look at this historic airlift. THREAD:
During the past 17 days, our troops evacuated over 120,000 U.S. citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies with unmatched courage, professionalism, and resolve. This is the largest non-combatant evacuation in the U.S. military’s history.
Since August 14, U.S. military aircraft evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from Kabul. This includes 5,526 Americans, and more than 73,500 third country nationals and Afghan civilians. This last category includes SIVs, consular staff, at-risk Afghans and their families.
In total, U.S. and coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more than 123,000 civilians, which were all enabled by U.S. military service members who were securing and operating the airport.
On average, the U.S. military evacuated more than 7,500 civilians per day over the 18 days of the mission, which includes 16 full days of evacuations, and more than 19,000 on a single day.
Additionally, U.S. special operations forces reached out to help bring in more than 1,064 American citizens and 2017 SIVs or Afghans at risk, and 127 third country nationals via phone calls, vectors and escorting.
The 13 service members who we lost were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving the lives of others. Their bravery and selflessness enabled the evacuations of tens of thousands.
There is no deadline for Americans who want to leave. The Secretary of State will lead the continued coordination with international partners to ensure safe passage for any Americans, Afghan partners, and foreign nationals who want to leave Afghanistan.
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