Seriously, This Former US Elite Force Opens Evacuation Services From Afghanistan At A Cost Of IDR 93 Million

JAKARTA - In the midst of humanitarian efforts to evacuate from Afghanistan, along with the deadline from the Taliban which is only until August 31, there are parties who have the heart to take advantage.

Thousands of people crowd at the gates of Kabul's airport, Afghanistan, hoping to enter the airport and be evacuated, with foreign troops led by the United States busy every day evacuating civilians from inside the airport.

Amid these conditions, the founder of Blackwater, security contractor Erik Prince recently sparked public anger and backlash from the White House, after a report detailed that the US defense contractor was reportedly trying to make a profit on Afghans who are depressed and want to leave the country. said, citing Sputnik Thursday, August 26.

The former member of the elite US Navy SEAL told the Wall Street Journal for a Wednesday article that he is currently offering a plane ticket out of Afghanistan for $6,500, which is a hefty price tag in the current crisis.

A higher amount may be charged if the person, who is interested in using the service, is trapped in their home and needs additional assistance. Expensive tickets, according to Prince, ensure those who pay will be transported safely to Hamid Karzai International Airport. However, it remains unclear whether Prince has the actual ability to fulfill his promise.

The costly initiative comes as President Joe Biden's administration and US allies have struggled to evacuate before the Taliban's August 31 deadline.

In addition to the services Prince offers, there are free evacuation flights offered by many nonprofits such as the Clinton Foundation and No One Left Behind, among other groups.

In this regard, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday condemned Prince's latest efforts to maximize potential financial gains, before going on to label contractors soulless.

"I don't think any human being with heart and soul would support efforts to take advantage of people's suffering and pain, especially when they are trying to leave a country and worry about their lives," Psaki told reporters.

"We are evacuating people at no cost because it was the right step to take, and of course we would not support taking advantage of people who are desperate to get out of a country," he stressed, amplifying his disdain for such attempts.

It should be noted that ongoing efforts to evacuate individuals have repeatedly hit a stalemate, as Taliban forces have implemented several checkpoints, and in some cases reportedly driven individuals from airports.

To note, some time ago Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated that anyone who wants to leave Afghanistan will be able to do so until August 31.

"We will not allow evacuation operations past August 31," he stressed.

Mujahid also emphasized that the road to Kabul's international airport had been closed and only foreign nationals were allowed to pass.

"We have closed the road to the airport and only let foreigners pass," said Mujahid.