When Reporters Ask About Abandoned Americans, Secretary Of State Blinken Turns Back And Walks Away

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s press briefing on Afghanistan on Monday ended with him turning his back and walking away when reporters began asking about the hundreds of American citizens that have been left behind in Afghanistan.

Blinken had given a nearly 20 minute speech about the status of the withdrawal.

As he left, a reporter said, “Did this administration break its word that no American would be left behind?”

Blinken didn’t answer any questions, instead he left the room.

Blinken: ‘We Will Hold The Taliban To Its Pledge To Let People Freely Depart Afghanistan’

During his speech, Blinken said that the Biden administration would “lead with our diplomacy” and work with the Taliban to get Americans still in the country home. 

“We will continue our relentless efforts to help Americans, foreign nationals and Afghans leave Afghanistan if they choose. Our commitment to them holds no deadline.”

The Secretary of State said, “We will hold the Taliban to its pledge to let people freely depart Afghanistan.”

RELATED: Report: American University Students In Afghanistan ‘Terrified’ After Having A List Of Their Names Given To Taliban

“The Taliban is committed to let anyone with proper documents leave the country in a safe and orderly manner,” Blinken said. “They said this privately and publicly many times.”

“On Friday, a senior Taliban official said it again on television and radio,” he added. “And I quote, ‘any Afghans may leave the country, including those who work for Americans if they want and for whatever reason there may be.’”

“Here, too, we will hold them accountable to that commitment,” he added. “But while we have expectations of the Taliban, that doesn’t mean we will rely on the Taliban.”

RELATED: Lara Trump Torches Kamala Harris Over Afghanistan – ‘We Will Not Forget About This’

Americans Left Behind

The Political Insider reported that although “President Joe Biden originally promised that the U.S. would ‘stay’ in Afghanistan until every American was evacuated,” many still remain in the country.

“On Monday, Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. announced that the last of the U.S. troops stationed at the Kabul airport had left,” The Political Insider noted. “And hundreds of Americans were left behind.”

For what many consider a dereliction of duty, House Republicans filed articles of impeachment against Blinken on Thursday.

The Articles read, “Secretary Blinken has failed to faithfully uphold his oath and has instead presided over a reckless abandonment of our nation’s interests, security, and values in his role in the withdrawal of American forces and diplomatic assets from Afghanistan.”

 

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