As the Taliban closed in on Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in mid-August 2021, the withdrawing American forces retreated to the Hamid Karzai International Airport - an indefensible position in the middle of a civilian population. For two weeks, American and NATO forces evacuated Afghans who were able to make it into the gates. Many of those who were able to get on planes happened to be in the right place at the right time. Others were able to get on planes as a result of coordinated efforts which prioritized categories of individuals such as social media influencers, musicians, and youth sports teams. Many were left behind worked side by side or shoulder to shoulder as the expression goes with American forces and now face persecution, torture, and death at the hands of the Taliban.
One unique group is highly educated and trained Afghan military who trained extensively in the United States at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. These are men who underwent an extreme security investigation and selection process to live and train on U.S. military bases, including the Pentagon, and travel freely through the United States. They were “vetted” so to speak and granted American visas. Today, we have two of these U.S. Army Command and General Staff College graduates on the phone from deep inside Afghanistan where they hide from the Taliban and cannot go outside for fear of being recognized. Many of their friends have been killed; many more have disappeared. Both have the rank of Colonel or higher. We have changed their names for their protection. Welcome Hamid and Ajmal.
Featuring: Colonel Hamid & Colonel Ajmal
Interviewed by: Russ Pritchard & Allié McGuire
Produced by: Awareness Ties
Topic: Afghanistan, Afghan Allies
