Here's a timeline of security alerts for Americans from the website of the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan during 2021.
JANUARY 17, 2021:
Security Alert – January 17, 2021
Excerpt: "In recent weeks, increased terrorist attacks, kidnappings, criminal violence, and civil unrest have occurred throughout Afghanistan. Hotels, residential compounds, international organizations, embassies, and other locations frequented by foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are known to be under enduring threat. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan is Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. U.S. citizens already in Afghanistan should consider departing. If you decide to remain in Afghanistan, carefully consider all travel and limit trips only to those that are absolutely necessary."
MARCH 18, 2021:
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan is Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. U.S. citizens already in Afghanistan should consider departing. If you decide to remain in Afghanistan, carefully consider all travel and limit trips only to those that are absolutely necessary."
APRIL 14, 2021:
President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would withdraw troops from Afghanistan prior to September 11.
Excerpts from an April 14 CNN report: "The deadline Biden has set is absolute, with no potential for extension based on worsening conditions on the ground. Officials said that after two decades of war, it was clear to the President that throwing more time and money at Afghanistan's problems wasn't going to work, even as senior military and national security advisers cautioned against a full withdrawal.
"... Biden said the withdrawal will begin on May 1, in line with an agreement President Donald Trump's administration made with the Taliban. Some US troops will remain to protect American diplomats, though officials have declined to provide a precise number.
"... Still, as Biden was making his decision, the prospect of the Taliban returning to power and potentially rolling back gains on security, democracy and women's rights provided a stark counterargument to an immediate US withdrawal. Deliberations stretched longer than some US officials had expected, even as Biden signaled repeatedly that a May 1 deadline for full withdrawal was nearly impossible to meet."
APRIL 18, 2021:
Former President Donald Trump stated his preference for a quicker withdrawal. Excerpts from an April 19 CNN report: "Though the former President offered his support of President Joe Biden's plans to bring home American troops, he urged his successor to draw an end to America's longest war well before the September 11 deadline that Biden set last week. Trump said that while leaving Afghanistan is "a wonderful and positive thing to do," he had set a May 1 withdrawal deadline and added that "we should keep as close to that schedule as possible.""
APRIL 27, 2021:
Afghanistan Travel Advisory – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Excerpts: "U.S. citizens wishing to depart Afghanistan should leave as soon as possible on available commercial flights. ... Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe because of critical levels of kidnappings, hostage taking, suicide bombings, widespread military combat operations, landmines, and terrorist and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests, and grenades. Terrorist and insurgent groups continue planning and executing attacks in Afghanistan."
The same day, another security alert was issued:
Excerpts: "On April 27, 2021, the Department of State ordered the departure from U.S. Embassy Kabul of U.S. government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere due to increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul. The Consular Section in U.S. Embassy Kabul will remain open for limited consular services to U.S. citizens and for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa processing.
"The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. Commercial flight options from Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) remain available and the U.S. Embassy strongly suggests that U.S. citizens make plans to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited."
MAY 15, 2021:
Security Alert – May 15, 2021
Excerpt: "Commercial flight options from Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) remain available and the U.S. Embassy strongly suggests that U.S. citizens make plans to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited."
MAY 27, 2021:
Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpts: "Announcement by the Department of State on May 24, 2021 that U.S. citizens may directly return to the United States with certain expired U.S. passports. If you are overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. ... Actions to Take: All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency. ... Make plans to depart Afghanistan by commercial airlines. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance."
JULY 15, 2021:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "In light of heightened insecurity in Afghanistan, the Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. If you have concerns about your health or safety in Afghanistan, now is the time to leave. Commercial transportation and infrastructure are intact and operating normally. Strongly consider this option. If you decide to remain in Afghanistan, carefully consider all travel and limit trips only to those that are absolutely necessary. Given security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited."
JULY 17, 2021:
Operation Allies Refuge
Excerpt: "At President Biden’s direction, the United States is launching Operation Allies Refuge to support relocation flights for Afghan nationals and their families eligible for U.S. Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Flights for those already in the SIV application process will begin in the last week of July."
JULY 20, 2021:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpts: "The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has received reports of multiple rocket attacks in downtown Kabul at approximately 8:05 a.m. this morning. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and seek shelter in the event of additional rocket attacks. As a reminder, in accordance with the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. U.S. citizens currently visiting or residing in Afghanistan should consider departing. ... If you have concerns about your health or safety in Afghanistan, now is the time to leave. Commercial transportation and infrastructure are intact and operating normally. Strongly consider this option."
JULY 30, 2021:
Statement of President Joe Biden on the Arrival of the First Flight of Operation Allies Refuge
Excerpt: "This morning, the first flight of Operation Allies Refuge has arrived in the United States, carrying Afghans who are eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and their families. These arrivals are just the first of many as we work quickly to relocate SIV-eligible Afghans out of harm’s way—to the United States, to U.S. facilities abroad, or to third countries—so that they can wait in safety while they finish their visa applications. These first Afghans are able to come directly to the United States because they have already completed extensive background checks and security screening by the Intelligence Community and the Departments of State and Homeland Security. They will complete the final steps of their visa applications and required medical checks at Fort Lee, in Virginia, before traveling onward to begin their new lives in the United States."
JULY 31, 2021:
Afghanistan (SIV) Relocation FAQ
Excerpts: "While the U.S. Government will provide these flights into the foreseeable future, we cannot say how long they will continue to be available. Therefore, if you are interested in this offer, we strongly encourage you to travel now. ... The U.S. Government will cover the cost of your travel to the United States. ...You will receive lodging on base at the U.S. military’s Fort Lee in Virginia. ... If you already have your visa and a flight booked to depart Afghanistan [by other means], then we recommend that you continue on with your current travel plans as this will be the most expedient way to finalize your special immigrant status upon arrival in the United States."
AUGUST 2, 2021:
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program Priority 2 Designation for Afghan Nationals
https://af.usembassy.gov/u-s-refugee-admissions-program-priority-2-designation-for-afghan-nationals/
Excerpts: "The U.S. objective remains a peaceful, secure Afghanistan. However, in light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the U.S. government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States. This designation expands the opportunity to permanently resettle in the United States to many thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who are not eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) because they did not have qualifying employment, or because they have not met the time-in-service requirement to become eligible."
AUGUST 7, 2021:
Security Alert U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpts: "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options. Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited even within Kabul. The U.S. Embassy can provide a repatriation loan for U.S. citizens who cannot afford at this time to purchase a commercial ticket to the United States.
"... The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that on April 27, 2021, the Department of State ordered the departure from U.S. Embassy Kabul of U.S. government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere due to increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul. The Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains Level 4-Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and COVID-19. Domestic flights and ground transportation routes outside of Kabul are severely limited and subject to cancellation or closure.
"U.S. citizens should enroll in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and ensure the Embassy can contact you in an emergency. In the event of a future official evacuation flight, the Embassy would notify U.S. citizens enrolled in STEP of available assistance. However, the Embassy reiterates that U.S. citizens should leave Afghanistan as soon as possible using available commercial transportation and not plan to rely on U.S. government flights."
The same day, the following press release is issued:
"The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan Condemns the Taliban Seizure of Cities"
A Washington Examiner news article from that day:
AUGUST 12, 2021:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options. If you cannot afford to purchase an airline ticket at this time, please contact the U.S. Embassy at KabulACS@state.gov for information regarding a repatriation loan. If you are a U.S. citizen and delaying your departure while you await an immigrant visa for a spouse or minor child, please contact us immediately. Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited even within Kabul."
AUGUST 14, 2021:
Security Alert: Repatriation Assistance for U.S. Citizens
Excerpt: "The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan has received reports that international commercial flights are still operating from Kabul, but seats may not be available. The U.S. Embassy is exploring options for U.S. citizens who want to depart and who have not been able to find a seat on commercial flights. This notice is to solicit information from U.S. citizens who may wish to utilize such a options. If you have an existing flight booked, do not cancel that booking. [emphasis theirs] The Embassy cannot guarantee how many or if charter flights will be available and continues to urge all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan to take advantage of commercial flight options while they are still available as airports could experience unexpected closures with little to no warning."
On Sunday, August 15, the Taliban reached Kabul. The President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, fled the country the same day. See the Wikipedia entry below for a timeline of events.
An Associated Press news article from that day:
"Taliban sweep into Afghan capital after government collapses" (Aug. 15, 2021)
AUGUST 15, 2021:
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "The security situation in Kabul is changing quickly including at the airport. There are reports of the airport taking fire; therefore we are instructing U.S. citizens to shelter in place. U.S. citizens wanting assistance in departing the country should register for any option that might be identified to return to the United States, and must complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart. Please do so as soon as possible."
Later that day, two more alerts are issued. An excerpt from one of them: "The security situation in Kabul continues to change quickly, including at the airport. U.S. citizens should continue to shelter in place. U.S. citizens wanting assistance to depart the country should register for any option that might be identified to return to the United States." Similar messages are sent the following day (August 16).
AUGUST 18, 2021:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kabul
Excerpt: "U.S. government-provided flights are departing. U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) should consider travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport. You should plan to enter the airport at Camp Sullivan. From the HKIA Airport South Traffic Circle, head east for 1km and turn right on to Camp Sullivan. Please note that gates may change frequently and that we will provide updates as necessary. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CANNOT ENSURE SAFE PASSAGE TO THE HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT."
AUGUST 19, 2021:
Afghanistan Inquiries
The same day, an update from the embassy: "We are processing people at multiple gates. Due to large crowds and security concerns, gates may open or close without notice. Please use your best judgment and attempt to enter the airport at any gate that is open. Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats associated with large crowds. Please also see our Travel Advisory regarding ongoing threats in Afghanistan."
AUGUST 21, 2021:
Security Alert – Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "Because of potential security threats outside the gates at the Kabul airport, we are advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates at this time unless you receive individual instructions from a U.S. government representative to do so."
AUGUST 22, 2021:
Who Should Come to the Hamid Karzai International Airport?
AUGUST 25, 2021:
Security Alert – Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "Because of security threats outside the gates of Kabul airport, we are advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates at this time unless you receive individual instructions from a U.S. government representative to do so. U.S. citizens who are at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately." [emphasis theirs]
On August 26, Kabul airport was attacked by the terrorist group Isis-K.
An Associated Press news article from that day:
AUGUST 26, 2021:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kabul
Excerpt: "There has been a large explosion at the airport, and there are reports of gunfire. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates at this time. U.S. citizens who are at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately." [emphasis theirs]
AUGUST 28, 2021:
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
Excerpt: "Due to a specific, credible threat, all U.S. citizens in the vicinity of Kabul airport (HKIA), including the South (Airport Circle) gate, the new Ministry of the Interior, and the gate near the Panjshir Petrol station on the northwest side of the airport, should leave the airport area immediately. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid all airport gates at this time." [emphasis theirs]
AUGUST 31, 2021:
Security Message: Suspension of Operations
Excerpt: "The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. While the U.S. government has withdrawn its personnel from Kabul, we will continue to assist U.S. citizens and their families in Afghanistan from Doha, Qatar. ... The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."
An Associated Press article from the same day:
"As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain" (August 31, 2021).
An excerpt: "As the final five U.S. military transport aircraft lifted off out of Afghanistan, they left behind up to 200 Americans and thousands of desperate Afghans who couldn’t get out and now must rely on the Taliban to allow their departure. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. will continue to try to get Americans and Afghans out of the country, and will work with Afghanistan’s neighbors to secure their departure either over land or by charter flight once the Kabul airport reopens."
