Turkey starts evacuating troops from Afghanistan

Turkish soldiers take care of a baby as people waiting for evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 21, 2021 [TUR National Defence Ministry – Anadolu Agency]

Turkey aims to evacuate its military staff from Afghanistan as soon as possible, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said today according to Anadolu Agency.

Akar said Turkey aims to ensure that the evacuation goes ahead smoothly. “We would like to thank our friendly and brotherly allies Pakistan and Tajikistan for their contribution to our activities and cooperation in the region,” Akar said.

The first batch of Turkish troops from Afghanistan arrived at Esenboga Airport in Ankara today.

Turkey’s 345 military personnel went to the Pakistani capital Islamabad first before boarding a Turkish Airlines flight to return home, the report said.

Official: Turkey could continue to operate Kabul airport

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