Austin concerned about fate of Afghan pilots

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Pentagon chief is concerned about Afghan Air Force (AAF) pilots being held in Tajikistan after crossing into the neighbouring country.

The US-trained Afghan pilots and many other security personnel fled to Tajikistan in mid-August when the Taliban seized power.

At a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Republican Representative Austin Scott regretted delays in getting the pilots out of the Central Asian nation

In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: “We will get with State (Department officials) right away to see if we can move this forward. I share your concerns.”

According to Reuters, among the 143 Afghans being held in Tajikistan, there is a pilot at an advanced stage of pregnancy.

“I would appreciate it if we could put that in writing to both of those countries that the equipment (aircraft) belongs to the US, not to Afghanistan,” Scott remarked.

Tending to take a swipe at the State Department, Scott sought help from Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley and US Central Command head General Frank McKenzie.

PAN Monitor/mud

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