Afghanistan: US Department of State announces withdrawal of nonessential staff from Kabul embassy April 27

Event

On April 27, the US embassy in Kabul announced the withdrawal of US government employees who are able to work remotely. The statement cited an increased threat of violence in Kabul as the reason for the move. US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan may have limited capabilities, though some consular services for US citizens and visa processing capabilities are expected to continue.

Context

The statement came as US military forces implement a planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to the government in Washington, DC, military forces are expected to finish withdrawing from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021. Fighting continues in much of the country, with the Taliban apparently expanding its control and influence in multiple areas. The Taliban is also believed to be carrying out regular attacks on government officials and other targets in Kabul. Although intermittent talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives have occurred, major differences remain. The planned withdrawal of US military forces over the coming months will likely reduce the effectiveness of Afghan government military forces, who have struggled to contain an apparently resurgent Taliban even with direct US support. Militant violence in Afghanistan could escalate further in the coming weeks if the Taliban believes US-led forces to be in violation of a peace deal announced in February 2020, which outlined a US military withdrawal within 14 months of the agreement.

Resources

US Embassy Message: af.usembassy.gov