International Effort

The Kabul airlift of August 2021 was an international effort. The United States played a lead role in the evacuation process. However, many foreign nations provided airport security, on-the-ground evacuation services, and airplanes for the evacuation of foreign nationals and Afghans at-risk.

These countries included the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, France, and many others. Turkish troops provided security at the airport. Germany announced plans to evacuate their embassy personnel and send troops to help with security. The United Kingdom sent in troops as well - the UK effort has been named Operation Pitting. The British military operation consists of approximately 900 British troops including members of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.

France deployed at least one company of the 5th RC based in Abu Dhabi to assist in securing the French embassy and the airport. The company is based in France but was taking part in an training mission in Abu Dhabi. An Afghan special operations unit (U/I) is also at the airport providing security. No word if they will be included in the final evacuation of people from the airport.

British Nationals. If you need assistance call +44 (0) 1908 516666, select option "Consular services for British nationals" or email help@fco.gov.uk. See also: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/afghanistan

Vulnerable non-British nationals in need of assistance: If you are vulnerable and have been forced to flee Afghanistan, you may be able to relocate in the UK under the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme. If you are a non-British national in Afghanistan, or their family member, and you need assistance, call +44 (0)2475 389980. You can call between 9am and 11pm (UK time) until 22 August. From 9am 23 August the number is available 24/7.