Hundreds of desperate Afghans cram into US cargo plane as they flee Taliban

17 August 2021, 07:21 | Updated: 17 August 2021, 12:56

A photograph showed hundreds of Afghan refugees crammed into an "unplanned" rescue flight
A photograph showed hundreds of Afghan refugees crammed into an "unplanned" rescue flight. Picture: Defense One

By Daisy Stephens

Hundreds of civilians have escaped Afghanistan in a US military plane, captured in a dramatic photograph showing men, women and children crammed into the aircraft after climbing in at the last minute.

The plane departed Kabul on Sunday with around 640 Afghans on board – reportedly around five times its capacity – and touched down safely in Qatar.

An official told Defense One that the move was not planned, but the "crew made the decision to go" when hundreds of panicked Afghans climbed in through the half-open ramp of the plane.

Read more: Afghanistan: Desperate crowds cling to US aircraft at Kabul in bid to flee Taliban

Read more: 'Some people won't get back' Defence Secretary chokes up over Afghanistan

People try to cling to the slide of US Air Force plane leaving Kabul

Hundreds of civilians flooded to Kabul airport on Monday after the Taliban seized control of the city over the weekend.

There are also around 4,000 people waiting to be evacuated back to Britain, including British nationals, diplomats, charity workers and Afghan special forces.

A flight is expected to arrive Brize Norton later on Tuesday carrying around 150 people, in addition to the 370 that have already arrived.

Afghan evacuation flights set to arrive in the UK

Footage on social media showed people trying to climb into the landing gear of planes as they moved along the runway, with some reportedly falling soon after take off.

At least five people were also killed in the airport itself when US troops fired into the air amid the chaos as they tried to evacuate embassy staff.

Read more: Harry encourages military veterans to ‘support one another’ amid Taliban resurgence

Read more: Joe Biden says he 'stands squarely behind' decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan

The Taliban have been making rapid gains ever since western troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan.

The takeover accelerated in recent days, with the militant group now in control of most of the country.

They announced the creation of the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and there are worries they will reinstate an extreme form of sharia law in the country last seen there in 2001.

The regime could include public executions and amputation as forms of punishments, and strict restrictions on things like music, the media and women’s rights.

Afghanistan veteran: 'I've lost too much for it not to be worth it'

In response, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new resettlement scheme for Afghans "most in need", which will prioritise women and girls most vulnerable to severe repression since the collapse of the Afghan government.

However charities are accusing the UK Government of not doing enough, with Amnesty International UK saying the scheme was "grossly flawed and utterly inadequate".

"The chaos unfolding in Kabul means there are a matter of hours, not days, in which the UK could potentially save lives," said chief executive Sacha Deshmukh.

Read more: 'It didn't have to be this way': Ex-army Major gives take on Afghanistan crisis

Read more: David Lammy: 'This ruthless interpretation of Islam will eliminate women's rights'

Afghanistan: Tank sits on the street after Taliban take over Kabul

US President Joe Biden has defended the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan.

Making his first address since the Taliban took control of the country, Mr Biden said: "I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years I learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces."

Read more: 'He gave his life for Queen and country': Mother's moving tribute to son

Read more: 'I think it's appalling what we've done to the Afghan people'

However he said he "always promised the American people I would be straight with you" as he added: "The truth is this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated."

He blamed the situation on Afghanistan political leaders fleeing the country and said the Afghan military had collapsed "sometimes without trying to fight".

"We gave them every chance to determine their own future," he said. "What we could not provide them was the will to fight for that future."

He added: "If anything, the developments of the past week reinforced that ending US military involvement in Afghanistan now was the right decision.

"American troops cannot and should not be fighting the war, and dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Ukraine 'could partner with Europe' if sidelined from negotiations - as Ben Wallace brands Trump remarks 'pure Disney'

Ukraine 'could partner with Europe' if sidelined from negotiations - as Ben Wallace brands Trump remarks 'pure Disney'

Raducanu was seen wiping away her tears

Tearful Emma Raducanu hides behind umpire after being confronted by 'fixated man' who is then dragged away

Pope Francis

Pope Francis fears he 'may not survive' as Pontif battles 'complex' double pneumonia

False killer whales became stranded on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, on a remote beach on near Arthur River in Australia's island state of Tasmania.

Horror as nearly 100 false killer whales set to be euthanised after mass stranding on Australian beach

Charlotte Peet has gone missing in Brazil.

Desperate hunt for missing Brit journalist, 32, who vanished almost two weeks ago in Brazil

Pete Doherty of The Libertines has shared a worrying health update.

Pete Doherty risks having toes amputated in battle with Type 2 Diabetes, rock star tells fans in health update

£60 Million Worth of Watches Stolen in Britain Last Year Amid Rising Global Watch Crime

UK faces surge in luxury watch theft as stolen timepieces top £1.6 billion with £60 million taken in Britain last year alone

A graphic depiction of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, the two documentary makers behind the project are now facing criticism over the children featured.

BBC blasted for 'blindly spouting propaganda' over claims Gaza documentary features Hamas leader's son

Alice da Silva Aguiar was one of the three children killed

Mother of Southport attack victim praises local community as she speaks out for the first time since knife rampage

Price reduction. Shopping basket containing only reduced price food, England, UK

UK inflation rises to 3% as households feel the squeeze

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - February 18, 2025

ASAP Rocky embraces Rihanna as US rapper found not guilty of firing gun at former friend

Trump suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion as he calls on country to elect new leader

Trump demands Zelenskyy hold elections as he suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion

Rick Buckler

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 - former bandmate Paul Weller confirms

Kitchen knives on a magnetic bar holder on the wall

Round-edged blades safer alternatives than sharp-pointed kitchen knives, research shows - in bid to tackle knife crime

A large sinkhole has forced the closure of the high street in the Surrey village of Godstone

Homes evacuated and major incident declared after 65ft sinkhole appears in Surrey village

Lydia Mugambe

United Nations judge forced woman to work as slave after tricking her to come to UK, court hears