Some Americans Are Still Stuck in Afghanistan, Contrary to Schumer's Claim
The Claim
All Americans who wanted to flee Afghanistan have done so, according to Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
News posted on
Emerging story
Schumer gave the remarks in an interview with an ABC local news affiliate on Sept. 3. “At the moment, actually, I'm still focused on trying to get some of those brave Afghans out. The Americans — all of whom have wanted to come out have come out, praise God,” Schumer said. Since then, critics such as former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer have picked up his claim and pointed out that it’s inaccurate.
Misbar’s Analysis
MENA: Schumer appeared to have misspoken during the interview. The exact number of Americans still left in Afghanistan is unknown, but days after Schumer’s remarks claiming that all Americans who’ve wanted to escape Afghanistan already have, news reports and reports from the White House indicated the opposite: that at least dozens of Americans still remained stuck in Afghanistan.
Some rescue groups believe the actual number is much higher. These groups have heard from people who have not registered with the U.S. Embassy prior to traveling, for example, as well as permanent residents of the United States who have green cards.
News outlets such as Fox News have also picked up on and debunked Schumer’s claim.
The Taliban successfully conducted a swift takeover of Afghanistan last month, following the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from the area. Since then, fearful Afghans and Americans alike have been anxiously trying to flee the country. Photos and videos show crowds of people at various airports in Afghanistan, clinging on to airplane jets and wings in a desperate bid to leave.
U.S. evacuation efforts remain ongoing, with about 200 Americans and civilians escaping from Afghanistan just last week.
