State Department Officials Improvised Afghanistan Evacuation Plans Amidst 'Chaotic Situation' in Kabul
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State Department officials created Afghanistan evacuation plans from scratch as there was no established plan when they arrived. They had to adapt minute-by-minute to a chaotic situation.
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The officials were rushed to Kabul with little notice or preparation time due to their expertise.
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Taliban obstacles, like limiting airport access, constantly changed what was possible for the evacuation.
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Despite Pentagon criticism, officials say there was close coordination with the military on the ground in Kabul on evacuation operations.
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The three officials interviewed - John Bass, Jim DeHart, and Jayne Howell - all described having to create new systems for getting people out with constantly shifting guidance.