The Government has ended its effort to evacuate New Zealand citizens, their families, and Afghan allies from Afghanistan after a terror attack at Kabul’s international airport.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a statement on Friday morning saying the last flight of a Defence Force Hercules into Kabul was completed on Thursday, prior to the attack.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with all of those in Afghanistan who have lost lives or suffered injuries, including US forces, our other partners on the ground, and the families and friends of all who have been affected by this appalling attack,” Ardern said in the statement.
“We strongly condemn what is a despicable attack on many innocent families and individuals who were simply seeking safety from the incredibly difficult and fragile situation in Afghanistan.”
No Defence Force staff were harmed in the attack, and no New Zealand evacuees remained at Kabul airport, the statement said.
Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking Kabul’s airport on the early hours of Friday morning (New Zealand time).
