Russia evacuates citizens from Afghanistan

MOSCOW: At least four Russian military transport aircraft are evacuating more than 500 citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine from Afghanistan, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The aviation group have taken off from Kabul and are currently on their way back to Russia, it said.

On each plane, there are military medics with necessary equipment as well as an adequate supply of drinking water, food and blankets, it added.

“Under the instruction of President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister and Army General Sergei Shoigu on Aug. 25 organized the evacuation of more than 500 citizens of Russia, CSTO member-states (Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and Ukraine by military transport aircraft from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” as per the statement carried by news agencies.

The CSTO is a Moscow-led military bloc of former Soviet republics known as the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

“Medical and nursing teams of military doctors with the necessary medical equipment are located in each Russian military transport aircraft to provide medical assistance and support to the evacuated citizens during the flight,” the military said.

Russia has said it would provide civil aircraft to evacuate anyone who wishes to leave “to any foreign countries that show interest in receiving and accommodating them.” (Xinhua)