UK troops will need to have the final civilian evacuations from Kabul wrapped up within 48 hours, David Richards, the former head of the British armed forces, said on Wednesday.
When asked if British troops would have to finalize plans within the next few days after President Biden reiterated US troops will pull out by Aug. 31, Richards told BBC Radio 4 “give or take, yes” as the Aug. 31 deadline is fast approaching.
“It depends how much they are prepared to leave and what they took in with them,” Richards said.
“We are probably going to have to go along with them [US troops] because sadly in many respects they are running the show,” he said.
Richards added that even if the final evacuees left within 48 hours, there will be instances of “sneaking others in who arrived late,” but said that he is “pretty certain” of the timescale.
British newspaper The Guardian reported Wednesday, citing defense sources, that Britain’s evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within “24 to 36 hours,” after the Taliban said they do not want Afghans traveling to the airport. CNN has contacted the UK Ministry of Defence.
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said the US is on track to complete its hurried airlift in Afghanistan by Aug. 31.
“We are currently on a pace to finish by August 31. I am determined to complete our mission,” Biden said in a speech at the White House.
Still, he said meeting that deadline “depends on the Taliban continuing to cooperate and allow access to the airport to those who are transporting out and no disruptions to our operation.”
“The sooner we finish the better,” Biden said. “Each day of operations brings added risk to our troops.”