An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Statement

Statement | Aug. 16, 2021

U.S. Central Command Statement on C-17 Flight from Hamid Karzai International Airport

By U.S. Central Command Public Affairs U.S. Central Command Communication Integration

TAMPA, Fla.  –  

We can confirm that a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transported approximately 640 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport Sunday night. The unusually high number of passengers aboard this aircraft that left HKIA that evening was the result of a dynamic security environment that necessitated quick decision making by the crew, which ultimately ensured that these passengers were safely taken outside the country.

- LTC Karen Roxberry, USA, U.S. Central Command Spokesperson