Evacuations from Kabul airport may be able to resume 'in the near future', Dominic Raab has said, following discussions on the situation in Afghanistan with his Qatari counterpart
Afghanistan: Leaked Foreign Office report warned of 'rapid Taliban advances' on 22 July - but Raab claims intelligence said Taliban takeover was 'unlikely' this year
"Once people felt in Afghanistan, once people in the Afghan army felt that they were no longer going to be getting that American air cover, then I think the logic for them became really to end their resistance and so things did go faster, but you can see to the extent of the planning that's been put into [Operation] Pitting.
Thousands of Afghans who helped British efforts in the nation and their relatives, as well as other vulnerable civilians, are feared to have been left behind.The foreign secretary also said the UK will not recognise the Taliban in the 'foreseeable future' but that there is scope for engagement and dialogue with the group. Pic: AP
"I don't think we're yet able to say anything formal but that's looking like it may happen at some point in the near future," he told broadcasters.Mr Raab later told Sky News:"We want to live up to our responsibilities to those who haven't made it out yet. Ideally, via Kabul airport, but that has got to be functional, that has got to be safe."
• Prices are soaring, the currency has plunged, shops are closed and the Taliban is struggling to keep banks and essential services running
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