JAKARTA - The Norwegian government has decided to send back special forces and police to Afghanistan, when the Taliban who seized control of Kabul on August 15 ordered all foreign militaries to leave the country by August 31.
Having joined the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the NATO military mission in Afghanistan in 2001-2014, Norway again sent its special forces to carry out support operations for the evacuation of Norwegians and other civilians, in accordance with the demands of the Taliban which must be completed by the end of the month. this.
"Special forces have the competence to contribute under demanding conditions and in a short period of time," explained Lieutenant General Yngve Odlo, head of the Norwegian defense ministry's operations headquarters, as quoted by NRK's Sputnik Thursday 26 August.
"This is such a situation. We don't want to go into detail about what their duties are, but it has to do with assistance during the evacuation."
However, he confirmed about 20 special commando troops had been sent to Kabul after the Taliban declared victory over Afghanistan more than a week ago, calling the situation "very demanding".
In addition to the commandos, General Odlo also mentioned that 50 personnel from the famous Norwegian special forces unit, the Telemark Battalion, were also sent to Tbilisi, Georgia to serve as a transit station for planes bringing refugees back to Norway. Without closing the possibility to also be sent to Afghanistan.
General Odlo said the army set up a transit reception center for all arriving from Afghanistan, both Norwegian and foreign nationals, before being flown to Norway. According to Odlo, special forces have contact with and screen Afghans to be sent to Norway. As the number of refugees increased after a tumultuous week, when many foreign nationals were unable to access Kabul airport, let alone leave the country.
"So far, 288 foreigners have been brought to Norway, including more than 20 unaccompanied children," the Norwegian government said at a press conference earlier this week.
To note, some time ago Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated, 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.
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