Fmr. ambassador to Afghanistan: We are in moment of crisis

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:05 PM PT – Sunday, August 8, 2021

A retired top diplomat warned Afghanistan would soon slide into a “prolonged civil war.” On Sunday, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker told ABC News the Taliban has been successfully creating a climate of fear and panic.

In addition, former Afghan interpreter for the U.S. Janis Shinwari sounded off a similar tune by saying the situation was especially dangerous for Afghans who helped American forces throughout the 20-year war.

“The Taliban will kill everybody and they will torture them in front of their family and kill them,” he expressed. “…When the Taliban took control of a couple cities, they were going and knocking door by door asking for those people who were supporting the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and they were trying to kill them.”

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has seized three more provincial capitals. Right now — is literally Biden’s last chance to reverse his and Trump’s erroneous withdrawal policy. When the Taliban wins, it compromises the security of all Americans. pic.twitter.com/syCjU4mO59

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 8, 2021

This comes as Taliban forces recently took over three key cities as U.S. troops have retreated from the country. Although the Taliban seized similar in the past and were swiftly kicked out, residents have still expressed worry militants would remain in the country’s key provinces for the long haul.

In response to the rampant violence, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul demanded all U.S. citizens leave the country immediately as diplomats looked for safe haven for Afghan allies to U.S. forces. Shinwari warned the Biden administration was not acting fast enough on this front as the Taliban has gained immense strength.

Reminder: 🇬🇧 nationals should call the Embassy on +93 (0) 700 102 000 and select “Consular services for British nationals” as soon as possible to confirm their departure plans

The British Embassy remains open, and continues to provide support to the government of Afghanistan🇦🇫

— UK in Afghanistan (@UKinAfghanistan) August 9, 2021

“This process has been too slow and I’ve been in contact with a lot of people in Afghanistan,” Shinwari stated. “They are waiting for their visas. Some of them they even did not receive their approval for SIV program. It means that this program is very slow so far and we should expedite this program”

Meanwhile, both Crocker and Shinwari urged Biden to ramp up efforts to evacuate U.S. and Afghan personnel who have been in danger. They said more planes were needed to get people out and stressed the Taliban has gained control of the narrative.

In addition, the diplomats said they worried no one would be safe in the country if the violence continued and Taliban forces gained more ground.

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