THE gates at Kabul airport have been sealed and nobody else will be called for evacuation, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed today.
The last few hours of the rescue mission will focus on airlifting Brits and Afghans already processed and waiting inside the airfield – before getting out our troops and diplomats.
With a heavy heart Mr Wallace said: “The sad fact is not every single one will get out.”
At 4.30am 1,000 people holed up at the Baron Hotel were taken to the airport for evacuation.
Mr Wallace said a few people would be plucked out of the desperate crowd swamped outside – but for the majority of desperate Afghans hopes of evacuation are gone.
He said: “Our top priority as we move through this process will be the protection of all those involved who are operating in a heightened threat environment.
“It is with deep regret that not everyone has been able to be evacuated during this process. But I am proud of this remarkable achievement from our Border Force, Armed Forces, MOD, FCDO, Home Office who have evacuated over 13,000 people in 14 days during Operation Pitting.
“We will continue to honour our debt to all those who have not yet been able to leave Afghanistan. We will do all that we can to ensure they reach safety.”
This breaking news story is being updated
