7 Afghans killed trying to enter Kabul airport, British military says

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense said that seven Afghans were killed in the crowds near the Kabul airport on Saturday as people attempt to escape Afghanistan and the Taliban.

“Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul,” the ministry said in a statement, according to Reuters.

“Conditions on the ground remain extremely challenging but we are doing everything we can to manage the situation as safely and securely as possible,” the ministry added.

Reuters reported that the Taliban are now using batons and firing into the air in an attempt to make people form orderly lines outside the airport.

Thousands of Afghans have sought evacuation from the country since the Taliban took control just one week ago. At least 20 people are believed to have died attempting to escape. Human remains were found in the wheel well of a U.S. military plane that was swarmed by people as it was lifting off last week. 

The Pentagon on Saturday said about 17,000 people have been evacuated out of Afghanistan in the past week. The U.S. has sent around 6,000 troops to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation operations.

“Make no mistake, this evacuation mission is dangerous. It involves risks to our armed forces, and it’s being conducted under difficult circumstances,” President Biden said on Friday. “I cannot promise what the final outcome will be or … that it will be without risk of loss. But as commander in chief, I can assure you that I will mobilize every resource necessary.”