Aid worker’s family, colleagues trapped in Afghanistan after U.S. strike

The U.S. is still seeking to correct its final act in Afghanistan, an erroneous bombing that killed 10 civilians, including seven children.

A U.S. airstrike in the closing days of the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan killed Zemari Ahmadi and his family.

After calling it a “righteous strike” and claiming no civilians died, the Pentagon realised its error and agreed to relocate Ahmadi’s family and humanitarian workers.

Since then, the U.S. government has relocated 11 of 144 people who need help, according to Brett Max Kaufman, an ACLU attorney who represents Ahmadi’s family and coworkers.

32 remain in Afghanistan, awaiting evacuation.

“Zemari’s family members starting over in America is fantastic news. Many of our clients remain in danger because the government hasn’t done enough “Kaufman added.

People not in Afghanistan or the U.S. are being resettled in Albania, Doha, and Kosovo.

First family member to come in May, last in July.

“The Department of Defense continues to react to the August 29, 2021 airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan,” stated acting Pentagon Press Secretary Todd Breasseale.

“To safeguard the family’s privacy and safety, we can’t disclose additional details at this time.”

The groups representing Ahmadi’s family kept silent as the U.S. government went through the process, but have chosen to come out ahead of the one-year anniversary to let the world know there are still people in risk in Afghanistan.

The strike that killed Ahmadi and his family was based on information suggesting a white Toyota Corolla-driving ISIS-K terrorist was plotting an assault at Kabul airport. Three days earlier, an ISIS-K assault killed 13 U.S. military personnel and 200 Afghan civilians.

Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, chief of U.S. Middle East forces during the Afghanistan evacuation, subsequently said the attack was a mistake.

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl met virtually with NEI founder and president Dr. Steven Kwon in October 2021.

According to a briefing at the time by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, Kahl said the attack was a mistake and pledged sympathy compensation and help for Ahmadi’s family.

Kwon said on Tuesday, “Many have been removed from Afghanistan after months of despair and lack of progress. I’m concerned about Zemari’s family and our NEI colleagues who are still in Afghanistan without a way out.”

Kaufman, the ACLU attorney, said the priority is resettling the remaining Afghans, then discussing condolence money.