Taliban spokesperson says Afghans should not try to leave the country; Pentagon spokesperson says US expects to complete evacuations on time

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4.02pm BST

And here’s video of Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warning that it would regard any evacuations beyond the 31 August deadline as a “violation”.

“We are not in favour of allowing Afghans to leave”

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid adds it would be a “violation” of the agreement to allow evacuations of foreign nationals beyond 31 August

Latest: https://t.co/PgvjrfQUeS pic.twitter.com/bs8TPYooZz

3.56pm BST

For the avoidance of doubt, Kirby added: “We’re absolutely still aiming towards the end of the month.”

.@JenGriffinFNC: “Has the U.S. started preparations to leave in order to leave by August 31st? When does the U.S. military have to begin making those preps? When does that decision have to be made?

John Kirby: “So, I’m not going to get into a specific tiktok here.” pic.twitter.com/t5TCKTqCu2

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Source: The Guardian