Blumenthal Statement on the Safe Arrival of a Plane Carrying Americans, Third Country Nationals in Qatar From Afghanistan

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after a plane carrying U.S. citizens and third country nationals arrived safety in Qatar from Afghanistan.

Blumenthal has been significantly involved in efforts to help Americans and Afghan allies leave Afghanistan over the last several weeks. Working with a coalition of volunteers, veterans, journalists, and advocates, Blumenthal and his office have provided critical assistance to help secure safe passage from Mazar-e Sharif for two planes carrying American citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, interpreters and other vulnerable Afghans, and their families.

“I am glad to hear that the Taliban has allowed flights with American citizens and other third country nationals to leave Afghanistan. I remain deeply concerned about the safety of at-risk Afghans, who do not seem to have been included in this agreement, and who remain significantly vulnerable. Their situation is dire. I continue to urge the State Department to prioritize the departure of two planes of highly vulnerable Afghans, along with Americans and their families, waiting in Mazar-e Sharif. My office is also aware of dozens of additional U.S. citizens and green card holders who have still have not heard from the State Department. Any development that allows the departure of people who want to leave Afghanistan is good news, but this is not the moment for any kind of a victory lap. This job is not nearly done.”

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