US-Taliban brokered a secret deal to evacuate Americans from Kabul: Reports

The United States military reportedly brokered a secret deal with members of the Taliban, who later assisted in escorting Americans to the gates of Kabul airport, enabling them to escape the country, according to US media reports citing statements from two officials of the United States Department of Defense.

A “secret gate” was set up by a team of United States special operations in addition to a “call centre”, which were used to navigate the Americans wishing to leave the war-torn country, according to reports from CNN.

Taliban officials used to gather Americans at makeshift “muster points” and check their credentials before transporting them to a gate that was under the control of the United States service members, who would then let the Americans inside, according to the officials of the Department of Defense.

Throughout the week-long procedure of evacuating United States citizens and allies, the administration of President Joe Biden stressed that the Taliban forces have been cooperating with the troops of America. The Taliban forces also reportedly vowed to provide a “safe passage” to Americans wishing to flee Afghanistan.

United States Central Command head General Frank McKenzie said in a statement on Monday that the Taliban was “significantly helpful” in enabling the evacuation of Americans, Afghans and others, according to US media reports.

The escort missions, which were jointly conducted by United States service members and Taliban forces, reportedly happened “several times a day”, the defense official said. The statement added, “It worked, it worked beautifully”, according to reports from CNN.

One of the main “muster points” being used by the forces was the building of the Ministry of Interior in Afghanistan’s Kabul. The building is located near the Hamid Karzai International Airport had the presence of United States service members.

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that some Americans, who wanted to leave Afghanistan, still remain in the country despite the US ending its evacuation missions on Monday. 

Blinken said that the number of American citizens left is “under 200” and may well be “closer to 100”. He added that the United States would work with Afghanistan’s neighbors to secure their departure either overland or by charter flight once the Kabul airport re-opens.