US Defense Secretary Lloyd told lawmakers Talibans had beaten Americans in Kabul: Reports

In a call this afternoon, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the House members that Americans have been beaten by the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to US media reports. 

Citing multiple sources, CNN reported that Austin called the situation in the South Asian country “unacceptable” but would not rule in or out if Americans would go outside the gates to ensure safe passage through checkpoints.

The comments come in direct contradiction to President Joe Biden’s statement earlier on Friday that there’s “no indication” US citizens have been unable to get to Kabul airport.

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Furthermore, the President informed that the US was in constant contact with the Taliban and working towards ensuring civilians safe passage to the airport. He said the US has communicated that any attack on US forces or disruption of its operations at the airport would be “met with swift and forceful response.”

However, Austin later added generally that the Taliban were not hindering Americans seeking to get to the airport, echoing the claims made publicly by President Biden on Sunday.

Politico was the first to report about Austin’s comments.

Questioned about Austin’s comments and reports of beatings, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said, “we’re certainly mindful of these reports and they’re deeply troubling, and we have communicated to the Taliban that that’s absolutely unacceptable, that we want free passage through their checkpoints for documented Americans. And by and large, that’s happening,” according to CNN reports. 

Earlier in the day, Biden presided over a White House news conference and pledged to bring back Americans who are still trapped in the South Asian country.

“Let me be clear: any American who wants to come home, we will get you home,” Biden said, according to the Associated Press inputs.

The Taliban forces took over the entirety of Afghanistan and breached capital Kabul on Sunday, capping a lightning offensive across the country. Their sudden victory, which comes as the US withdraws from the country following a 20-year-war, has sparked chaos at Kabul’s airport, from where America and allied nations are trying to safely evacuate thousands of citizens and allies.