WASHINGTON — The U.S. facilitated the safe departure of four American citizens overland from Afghanistan on Monday, a senior State Department official said.
The news came while Secretary of State Antony Blinken was en route to Doha, Qatar, just days after the U.S. withdrew all troops from Afghanistan to end a 20-year war. It is the first known evacuation of U.S. citizens from Afghanistan with U.S. government assistance since the withdrawal.
"The Taliban was aware and did not impede their transit," the official said, adding that the Americans were in good condition.
The official, who did not say where they were taken, said the evacuees were met by U.S. Embassy staff members.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, said the four are from his district.
The U.S. evacuated thousands of U.S. citizens from Afghanistan before the pullout last Tuesday. President Joe Biden said last week that 100 to 200 Americans with "some intention to leave" remained, including many who are dual citizens or longtime residents. The Biden administration has said it will continue to work to evacuate U.S. citizens who want to get out of Afghanistan.
