The completion by August 31st depends on the taliban continuing to cooperate, allowing access to the airport for those who were transporting out and no disruptions to our operations. In addition, ive asked the pentagon and the State Department for Contingency Plans to adjust the timetable should that become necessary. As for what would make that necessary to stay longer, the president did not elaborate. He did, however, warn that each day on the ground increases the risk to americans and american forces, including isisk militants who are targeting the airport. He did not say that it was blocking afghans who wanted to flee from getting to the airport. Nor did he do what lawmakers on both sides of the aisle wanted. He did not commit to stay until they all got out. He did not say how many remained, but instead said Antony Blinken would supply that information tomorrow. He additionally said that the number when the evacuation began was probably lower than most people believe because, quote
Of Havana Syndrome. Lets go outfront. Good evening, everyone. Im Kate Bolduan in for erin burnett. Breaking news, sticking to his deadline. President biden announcing he will not extend his selfimposed August 31st deadline for all u. S. Forces to leave afghanistan. Just hours after the taliban said it would no longer allow americas afghans to leave the country and the deadline is a red line. Biden tonight rejecting growing calls to extend the deadline siting security concerns. Every day were on the ground is another day we know Isis K is seeking to target the Airport And Attack both u. S. And allied forces and innocent civilians. But is it a realistic deadline to fulfill the president s promise . The promise that he will evacuate all americans and afghan allies from the country before troops leave . So far, the president has said that more than 70,000 people including americans and afghans have been evacuated since august 14th. That is 15 times what it was the pace, that pace is 15 tim