State Department ordering some staffers out of Kabul

The State Department on Tuesday ordered government employees based at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to leave if their work can be performed elsewhere, citing an increase in reports of violence in the country.

The department announced the decision in a travel advisory, saying travel to Afghanistan is not safe because of “critical levels” of kidnappings, hostage taking, suicide bombings, widespread military combat operations, landmines and terrorist and insurgent attacks.

“In light of increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul, the Department has approved Ordered Departure status affecting a relatively small number of employees at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul effective immediately,” a State Department spokesperson told The Hill.

“We do not anticipate any changes to our operations and capabilities resulting from this action,” the spokesperson continued.

When asked how many employees were affected by the order, the spokesperson said the department “does not discuss personnel numbers or operational details for security reasons.”

The State Department noted that terrorist and insurgent groups “continue planning and executing attacks in Afghanistan,” which occur with little or no warning, and have targeted locations visited by U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals. 

It also wrote that the embassy’s “ability to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is severely limited, particularly outside of Kabul.”

The advisory from the State Department comes nearly two weeks after President Biden announced his plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that spurred America’s longest war.

The department spokesperson said the order will allow “personnel who are urgently needed to address issues related to the drawdown of U.S. forces and to continue the vital work we are doing in support of Afghanistan and its people will be able to remain in place.”

The spokesperson also noted that the ordered departures ensure that “American diplomacy and support for Afghanistan will be sustainable, robust, and effective,” including the “active support of the Afghan peace process and our continued diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian support of the future the Afghan people want, including the gains made by Afghan women.”

U.S. Army Gen. Scott Miller, commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, said that the U.S. has begun the process of preparing to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.

— Updated 5:30 p.m.