Over 170 Afghan citizens, including women and children, were transferred from Islamabad to Germany on a special flight for resettlement.

A total of 174 Afghan citizens, particularly those at high risk, have been transferred to Germany in a flight that landed in Hanover Airport on March 28. These individuals had previously received resettlement promises from Germany.

The group of 174 Afghan citizens comprises 82 women and 92 men, with 74 individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, nine children under the age of two were also part of the group, highlighting the vulnerable nature of those resettled.

A spokesperson for Germany’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that all individuals were thoroughly vetted for security concerns before their flight. The spokesperson emphasized that security was the highest priority in the selection process to ensure the safety of the resettled individuals.

The German resettlement program is designed for Afghan citizens who had worked for the Afghan military or German organizations before the Taliban’s rise to power. These individuals were given priority due to their association with German interests during the previous Afghan government.

In addition to this recent transfer, Germany had previously resettled 132 Afghan refugees from Pakistan on March 5. The ongoing resettlement efforts are part of Germany’s broader initiative to support Afghan citizens facing persecution.

Germany’s resettlement program continues to prioritize the safety of Afghan citizens who were at high risk due to their work with foreign entities. The careful security checks and attention to vulnerable groups, such as women and children, reflect Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid.

The efforts also highlight the continuing global responsibility to support refugees, especially in light of the instability and risks Afghan citizens face under Taliban rule. As countries like Germany take action, international cooperation remains crucial for ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced individuals.

Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, criticized the Biden administration for its failure to hold officials accountable for the “disastrous” U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “outrageous.”

Leavitt responded to reporters’ questions about the disclosure of chat group information involving senior U.S. security officials, stating that the Trump administration ignored national security concerns raised by Democrats and mainstream media about the chaotic withdrawal.

The White House spokesperson emphasized that due to the incompetence of the previous U.S. administration, 13 U.S. soldiers lost their lives during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Leavitt highlighted that no one in the previous administration was held accountable for the “disastrous” withdrawal, even as President Biden described the operation as “excellent.”

She added that such behavior was “outrageous” and “unacceptable” in the view of both the current U.S. President and Secretary of Defense.

Meanwhile, Leavitt explained that Mike Walz, the White House National Security Advisor, took full responsibility for the inadvertent addition of a journalist to the chat group of senior U.S. officials. She assured that the administration takes the security, safety, and well-being of its forces worldwide with the utmost seriousness.

Leavitt also addressed concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information regarding U.S. military operations, stressing the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of communication within the government.

The U.S. National Intelligence Agency recently published its annual threat assessment, notably omitting Afghanistan from the list of national security threats. Last year’s report highlighted Afghanistan and the Taliban multiple times, but this year’s report made no mention of them, raising concerns about the current U.S. assessment of regional security.

While the report highlighted terrorist threats, including Al-Qaeda’s presence in Iran, Somalia, and Syria, it did not mention the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as a base for such groups. This omission is significant, considering the United Nations Security Council has confirmed that Al-Qaeda and ISIS continue to operate in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s protection.

The U.S. report also failed to address the Taliban’s policies toward women and their inability to manage Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, both critical issues noted in last year’s assessment. Despite the Taliban’s claims of suppressing ISIS-Khorasan, the group continues to conduct attacks in Afghanistan.

Furthermore, the report did not mention Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistani officials allege operates from Afghanistan’s territory. The TTP has been involved in numerous attacks against Pakistan and poses a potential threat to regional stability.

The report highlighted the growing threat from ISIS-Khorasan, which has expanded its influence beyond Afghanistan into Central Asia, Iran, and even Russia. The group’s online presence continues to inspire attacks globally, including in the West, which raises concerns about the group’s expanding reach.

Al-Qaeda also remains a significant threat, with leaders reportedly in Iran using anti-Israel rhetoric to recruit and incite attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets. The report noted that Al-Qaeda continues to pursue operations against U.S. interests both domestically and abroad.

The U.S. intelligence community also expressed concerns about the increasing capabilities of the TTP, which has historical ties to Al-Qaeda. Although the group primarily targets Pakistan, its operations could destabilize the region further and affect global security.

The absence of Afghanistan from this year’s U.S. intelligence report is concerning, as there are ongoing allegations that the Taliban continues to harbor terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS-Khorasan. While the U.S. has shifted focus diplomatically, the region’s security challenges remain a significant concern. Global efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize Afghanistan are more critical than ever. Addressing these threats and ensuring peace in the region is essential for long-term stability.