US President Joe Biden says the US is “on pace” to meet a 31 August deadline for evacuations, despite previous calls from allies for an extension.
“The sooner we finish the better,” he said. Some American troops have already been withdrawn, US media report – although evacuations are not affected.
At least 70,700 people have been airlifted from Kabul, which fell to the Taliban nine days ago.
The militants have opposed any extension to the evacuation deadline.
President Biden said: “The Taliban have been taking steps to help get our people out,” adding that the international community would judge the Taliban by their actions.
