Joe Biden commits to remove US troops from Afghanistan by August 31

President Joe Biden will stick to a Pentagon recommendation to remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan by August 31 so long as the Taliban enables the United States to complete its evacuations, three U.S. officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

“The completion by Aug. 31 depends on the Taliban continuing to cooperate, allowing access to the airport for those who we’re transporting out, and no disruption to our operations,” Biden said in an address from the White House Tuesday afternoon. “I’ve asked the Pentagon and the State Department for contingency plans to adjust the timetable, should that become necessary.”

Biden’s key worry about staying longer was the risk of a terrorist attack. “The longer we stay, starting with the acutely growing risk of an attack by a terrorist group known as ISIS-K, which is an ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan,” he said.

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The pace of military evacuations has picked up in the last few days. According to the president, "As of this afternoon, we've helped evacuate 70,700 people just since August 14 — 75,900 people since the end of July."

Biden’s remarks came after the meeting of leaders of G7 countries, the United Nations, the European Commission, the European Council and Nato.

The Europeans had sought more time to complete their evacuation process but were unable to convince the US president, for now.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson meanwhile said the Group of Seven nations will not recognize a Taliban government unless it guarantees people can leave the country if they wish, both before and after the August deadline.