After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, several locals along with the foreigners rushed out from the country. Some of the Afghans risked their lives and fled away to save themselves. The government of India is concerned about the 130 Indian nationals, officials, diplomats, journalists and Indian Embassy staff in Kabul. With tense situations all over, a convoy of 14 bulletproof cars were arranged to evacuate the Indians from the Embassy building to the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. The government of Afghanistan is inactive and the local authorities are not available. It is then, the government of India planned a secret operation to bring them back to India.

The Taliban leaders too were never informed of this mission. They trusted the security personnel and brought the Indians to the airport safely. The Indian Air Force transport jets were ready to take off with the Indias. A space firm named Planet Labs provided the satellite images along with the first visual evidence of this operation that took place in Kabul. The high-resolution images are taken on August 16th and they showcase the bulletproof convoy that is parked before the Indian Embassy. All the Indians are taken to the airport during the early hours of August 17th after a night curfew was imposed by the Taliban.

The satellite images on August 17th morning did not show any convoy at the Indian Embassy. S Jaishnakar, the Minister for External Affairs closely monitored the mission when he was on his way to United Nations Security Council meetings in New York. Some of the intelligence agencies reported the Lashkar-e-Taiba groups entered Kabul and they will target the Indians at the Embassy. The mission was completely successful as it was well planned. All the Indians reached home safe. Four pilot vehicles guarded the Indian convoy when they were on their way to the Kabul airport which was 7 km away.

By Siva Kumar