What they're saying: "It's a red line," Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said. "President Biden announced that on 31 August they would withdraw all their military forces. So, if they extend it that means they are extending occupation while there is no need for that."
- "If the U.S. or U.K. were to seek additional time to continue evacuations — the answer is no. Or there would be consequences. It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation it will provoke a reaction," he added.
The big picture: Around 10,000 to 15,000 Americans are still in the country now controlled by the Taliban according to various reports.
- Between 50,000 and 65,000 Afghans and their families await evacuation assistance from the U.S, according to Biden.
- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to push Biden to extend the withdrawal date in order to complete evacuations, though the Taliban would need to give its approval first, according to Reuters.
Go deeper:Pentagon enlists commercial airlines to help evacuation efforts
