Pen Farthing latest news: Ex-marine 'arrives home safe' from Afghanistan with 173 rescue animals after Kabul airlift row
FORMER commando turned animal rescuer Pen Farthing & his animals have been rescued from Kabul and have landed home "safe" in the UK.
The ex Commando, who has been battling to evacuate his staff and almost 200 rescue animals, was forced to turn away from an evacuation flight yesterday.
It happened as a suicide bomber detonated his device at Kabul airport on Thursday – killing at least 170 and leaving scores injured.
But now the 57-year-old is due to fly to Tashkent in Uzbekistan before returning to the UK .
He spoke to the Sun of his sadness at not being able to fulfill his promise to get his predominantly Afghan staff to safety as well.
He said: “It is just so depressing I had to leave them behind.
“Some of them came with me to the airport but they weren’t allowed to cross the line from Taliban to British control."
Read our Kabul explosion live blog for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
MARINE STUART SCHELLER IS RELIEVED OF DUTY AFTER DEMANDING MILITARY LEADERS ADMIT ‘WE MESSED UP’ AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL
A US Marine was relieved of his command for publicly demanding senior US military brass take “accountability” for overseeing the execution of the pullout from Afghanistan after 13 troops died in Thursday’s suicide bombing.
“I have been relieved for cause based on a lack of trust and confidence…” Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller posted on his social media page.
The father of three who has served the US Marine Corps Infantry for 17 years first openly admitted that part of what compelled him to come forward to speak out was losing his comrades to the “mess going on [in Afghanistan].”
“I know through an inside channel that one of the people that was killed was someone I have a personal relationship with,” he said.
Read the article in full here.
- Joseph Gamp
BREAKING: PEN FARTHING ARRIVES SAFELY AT LONDON HEATHROW AFTER KABUL EVACUATION
PEN Farthing has landed safely in London Heathrow with his 173 dogs and cats after his heartbreak at leaving devoted staff behind.
The ex-Royal Marine is understood to be immediately boarding a connecting flight to Norway to visit his wife Kaisa Markhus.
Nearly 200 animals he was travelling with from Kabul will reportedly now have to quarantine under UK law.
His charted jet stopped at Muscat after leaving war-torn Afghanistan before arriving in London today.
Pen's pet charity Nowzad confirmed last night that the former Royal Marine was "safely" out of Kabul, along with the rescued animals.
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
FORMER BRITISH ARMY HEAD SAYS 'WE SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER'
A former head of the British Army has said it was "unfathomable why it would appear that the Government was asleep on watch" in relation to the protection of Afghans who helped soldiers and officials.
Speaking on Times Radio, General Lord Richard Dannatt said: "On the particular issue of those who we knew were in danger, people who had worked for us, interpreters, former locally-engaged civilians, this issue has been in the media.
"This issue has been on politicians' desks for two to three years and, certainly, it's been there during the course of this year.
"I mean, you might remember, back in July, 45 senior officers wrote to the Government, an open letter to the Government, saying there are people we are concerned about and if we don't do the right thing, their blood will be on our hands. It is unfathomable why it would appear that the Government was asleep on watch.
"I think the issue of Afghanistan sat on the backburner. Maybe it started to come forward. But then, suddenly, when the Taliban took over the country in the precipitate fashion in which they did, it fell off the cooker straight onto the kitchen floor and we've … had this chaotic extraction.
"We should have done better, we could have done better. It absolutely behoves us to find out why the Government didn't spark up faster."
- Joseph Gamp
DOWNTON ABBEY'S PETER EGAN LEAPS TO DEFENCE OF PEN FARTHING
Downton Abbey and Afterlife star Peter Egan tweeted: "I’m going to post further comment later but in the meantime here is the man who is being vilified this morning for being what he is a hero.
"CNN Heroes Tribute: Pen Farthing."
- Joseph Gamp
BORIS JOHNSON HAILS ‘COLOSSAL’ UK TROOPS AS FINAL KABUL FLIGHT LANDS IN UK IN BIGGEST MILITARY EVACUATION IN 80 YEARS
BORIS Johnson today hailed "colossal" British troops as the final flight from Kabul landed in the UK.
The plane touching down at RAF Brize Norton this morning ended the biggest military evacuation in 80 years.
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
FEARS FOR AFGHANS 'ABANDONED TO TALIBAN' AS FINAL UK TROOPS PULLED OUT OF KABUL
The final UK troops and diplomatic staff have been airlifted from Kabul, drawing to a close Britain's 20-year engagement in Afghanistan.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the final RAF plane took off from Hamid Karzai International Airport at 9.25pm on Saturday, as the Prime Minister said he was "lost in admiration" for the troops.
Operation Pitting – where more than 1,000 military personnel, diplomats, and officials were dispatched to Afghanistan to rescue UK nationals and Afghan allies after the seizure of the country's capital by the Taliban – airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety across just over a fortnight.
It was understood to be the largest evacuation mission since the Second World War.
In an open letter to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and families, Boris Johnson said: "There has been nothing like it in speed and scale, certainly in my lifetime."
- Joseph Gamp
BORIS JOHNSON ON COMPLETED EVACUATION (CONTINUED…)
The Prime Minister added: "And though we would not have wished to leave in this way, we have to recognise that we came in with the United States, in defence and support of the US and the US military did the overwhelming bulk of the fighting.
"Though we now leave with the United States, we will remain represented in the region.
"Together with our allies in America and Europe and around the world, we will engage with the Taliban not on the basis of what they say but what they do.
"If the new regime in Kabul wants diplomatic recognition, or to unlock the billions that are currently frozen, they will have to ensure safe passage for those who wish to leave the country, to respect the rights of women and girls, to prevent Afghanistan from, again, becoming an incubator for global terror, because that would be disastrous for Afghanistan."
- Joseph Gamp
BORIS JOHNSON TELLS SOLDIERS FAMILIES: 'YOUR SUFFERING WAS NOT IN VAIN'
Addressing the families and loved ones of the British troops who "gave their all", Mr Johnson said: "Your suffering and your hardship were not in vain."
He added: "It was no accident that there's been no terrorist attack launched against Britain or any other western country from Afghanistan in the last 20 years.
"It was thanks to the bravery of our Armed Forces who fought to knock out (Osama) Bin Laden's networks.
"And, thanks to the devotion of British troops and aid workers and diplomats and others, we've helped educate 3.6 million girls.
"Whatever the future may hold for Afghanistan, they will have that gift for the rest of their lives, a gift they will pass on to their daughters as well as their sons."
- Joseph Gamp
AIRLIFT OF BRITONS AND REFUGEES FROM AFGHANISTAN WAS UNPRECEDENTED MISSION, SAYS BORIS JOHNSON
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK departure from Afghanistan was "the culmination of a mission unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes".
The final UK troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul on Saturday, drawing to a close Britain's 20-year engagement in Afghanistan and a two-week operation to rescue UK nationals and Afghan allies. Named Operation Pitting, it was believed to be the largest evacuation mission since the Second World War.
In a video uploaded to Twitter on Sunday morning, Mr Johnson praised the more than 1,000 military personnel, diplomats and officials who took part in the operation in Afghanistan.
He said: "UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.
"They've seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job.
"It's thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks."
- Joseph Gamp
WE COMPLETELY MESSED UP’
Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller called on the leaders in charge of the Afghanistan mission to explain why soldiers died as a result of the architecture of the evacuation.
“I’m not saying we need to be in Afghanistan forever, but I am saying, did any of you throw your rank on the table and say, ‘Hey, it’s a bad idea to evacuate Bagram Airfield, a strategic airbase, before we evacuate everyone?’
“Did anyone do that?
“And when you didn’t think to do that, did anyone raise their hand and say, ‘We completely messed this up?'”
He then questioned the heart and honesty of the leaders of the Afghanistan withdrawal for “not holding up their end of the bargain.”
“Without that, we just keep repeating the same mistakes,” he said. “…I want to say this very strongly. I have been fighting for 17 years. I am willing to throw it all away to say to my senior leaders: I demand accountability.”
- Joseph Gamp
MARINE STUART SCHELLER IS RELIEVED OF DUTY AFTER DEMANDING MILITARY LEADERS ADMIT ‘WE MESSED UP’ AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL
A US Marine was relieved of his command for publicly demanding senior US military brass take “accountability” for overseeing the execution of the pullout from Afghanistan after 13 troops died in Thursday’s suicide bombing.
“I have been relieved for cause based on a lack of trust and confidence…” Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller posted on his social media page.
The father of three who has served the US Marine Corps Infantry for 17 years first openly admitted that part of what compelled him to come forward to speak out was losing his comrades to the “mess going on [in Afghanistan].”
“I know through an inside channel that one of the people that was killed was someone I have a personal relationship with,” he said.
Read the article in full here.
- Joseph Gamp
HOW JOE BIDEN’S BUNGLED FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN & 5-HR DELAY TO SPEAK ABOUT KABUL BOMB SHOWS PRESIDENCY IN TURMOIL
His presidency has been left in turmoil as his approval ratings plunge thanks to controversial decisions and repeated mistakes during speeches, which have further fuelled criticism as he makes factual errors and inaccurate predictions.
The President has now even been accused of having “blood on his hands” after at least 13 troops were among the 170-plus killed at the hands of ISIS-K in a suicde at Kabul airport.
Speaking from the White House after the deadly blast, Biden appeared to crumble under the pressure as he snapped at a reporter and lost his breath.
During Thursday’s press conference, Biden didn’t deny that names may have been handed over to the Taliban.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHICH COUNTRIES BORDER AFGHANISTAN AND CAN REFUGEES GO THERE?
The UN has urged Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries to keep their borders open to enable safe passage out.
It said: “At this stage, our primary concern is that Afghans who are seeking safety can reach it, including borders and into neighbouring countries if needed.
“The UNHCR is calling on all countries neighbouring Afghanistan to keep their borders open in light of the intensifying crisis in Afghanistan.”
Pakistan – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in June said that the border would be closed with Afghanistan if the Taliban seized control of the country.
However, it appears that at least one route has remained open allowing refugees into the country.Iran – Emergency shelter and tents have been set up in the three Iranian provinces along the 560-mile border with Afghanistan.
The country is preparing to provide the essentials for those in need.Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan’s foreign ministry has threatened that any attempt to cross the border “illegally” will be “suppressed harshly”.
Read more here.
Afghanistan is bordered by a number of countries but not every one is welcoming refugees - Milica Cosic
TIMELINE OF JOE BIDEN’S RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS
August 26, 2021: Biden to address the public following the Kabul airport attacks.
August 23, 2021: Biden again ignored questions about the Middle East crisis after his aide says he “never shies away” from reporters.
August 22, 2021: During a live address to the nation, Biden again insisted that pulling US troops out of Afghanistan was “the right decision” as he defended his handling of the crisis.
August 21, 2021: Biden canceled his trip to his holiday home in Delaware as the crisis in Afghanistan rages on.
August 20, 2021: President Biden addressed the nation about the US’ evacuation efforts in Afghanistan amid fierce criticism.
- Milica Cosic
HEARTBROKEN DAD OF MARINE KILLED IN KABUL TERROR ATTACK SAYS BIDEN ‘TURNED HIS BACK ON HIM’
Californian carpenter Steve Nikoui was heartbroken when he learned his son Kareem, a young US Marine stationed at the Afghan capital airport, had died during yesterday's attack – and says he blames the President for his death.
"I haven’t gone to bed all night," he told the Daily Beast.
"I’m still in shock. I haven’t been able to grasp everything that’s going on.
“They sent my son over there as a paper pusher and then had the Taliban outside providing security. I blame my own military leaders.
"Biden turned his back on him. That’s it.”
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHO ARE TERROR GROUP ISIS-K?
ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the Kabul airport suicide attack which happened earlier this week.
Isis-K is an offshoot of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) that has been operating in eastern Afghanistan since 2014.
Read more here.
ISIS-K are fighting to control parts of Afghanistan - Milica Cosic
BRITISH RED CROSS OVERWHELMED BY KINDNESS OF PUBLIC
The British Red Cross has said it is overwhelmed by the kidness shown by the public. Over £1 million has been raised for its Afghanistan Crisis appeal which is welcoming Afghan families arriving at UK airports.
The appeal aims to provide emotional support and give out essential items like food, warm clothing and hygiene kits to the families arriving on UK soil.
Mike Murphy, a British Red Cross emergency responder at Heathrow, said: "People have come from a chaotic area on very long-haul flights, often in cramped conditions with little opportunity to clean and be comfortable. It’s the little things like toothpaste and a toothbrush, a pair of slippers so they can change the shoes that they’ve been wearing for the last 56 hours.
"They’re quite confused and very tired."
- Milica Cosic
NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:
- US veterans launched a bid to save allies in Afghanistan
- Trump slammed Biden for handing the Taliban a 'kill list'
- Biden warned that he'll 'hunt down' ISIS-K and vowed 'you will pay'
- The SEAL veteran who shot Bin Laden said it's time 'to kill'
- More than 100 people are confirmed to have died in Kabul attack
BORIS JOHNSON AND ANGELA MERKEL AGREE ON NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL AID
Reuters reports that Boris Johnson and the German chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation in Afghanistan on Saturday.
They unanimously agreed on the need for international aid and a common approach by the G7 to the future government of Afghanistan.
The Prime Ministers office said in a statement: "The prime minister and chancellor resolved to work, alongside the rest of the G7, to put in place the roadmap on dealing with any new Afghan government discussed at last week’s leaders’ meeting.
"The prime minister stressed that any recognition and engagement with the Taliban must be conditional on them allowing safe passage for those who want to leave the country and respecting human rights."
'WE COMPLETELY MESSED UP'
Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller called on the leaders in charge of the Afghanistan mission to explain why soldiers died as a result of the architecture of the evacuation.
"I'm not saying we need to be in Afghanistan forever, but I am saying, did any of you throw your rank on the table and say, ‘Hey, it’s a bad idea to evacuate Bagram Airfield, a strategic airbase, before we evacuate everyone?'
"Did anyone do that?
"And when you didn’t think to do that, did anyone raise their hand and say, ‘We completely messed this up?'"
He then questioned the heart and honesty of the leaders of the Afghanistan withdrawal for “not holding up their end of the bargain.”
"Without that, we just keep repeating the same mistakes," he said. "…I want to say this very strongly. I have been fighting for 17 years. I am willing to throw it all away to say to my senior leaders: I demand accountability."
MARINE STUART SCHELLER IS RELIEVED OF DUTY AFTER DEMANDING MILITARY LEADERS ADMIT ‘WE MESSED UP’ AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL
A US Marine was relieved of his command for publicly demanding senior US military brass take “accountability” for overseeing the execution of the pullout from Afghanistan after 13 troops died in Thursday’s suicide bombing.
“I have been relieved for cause based on a lack of trust and confidence…” Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller posted on his social media page.
The father of three who has served the US Marine Corps Infantry for 17 years first openly admitted that part of what compelled him to come forward to speak out was losing his comrades to the “mess going on [in Afghanistan].”
“I know through an inside channel that one of the people that was killed was someone I have a personal relationship with,” he said.
Read the article in full here.
- Milica Cosic
HOW SLOW JOE BIDEN’S BUNGLED FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN & 5-HR DELAY TO SPEAK ABOUT KABUL BOMB SHOWS PRESIDENCY IN TURMOIL
His presidency has been left in turmoil as his approval ratings plunge thanks to controversial decisions and repeated mistakes during speeches, which have further fuelled criticism as he makes factual errors and inaccurate predictions.
The President has now even been accused of having "blood on his hands" after at least 13 troops were among the 170-plus killed at the hands of ISIS-K in a suicde at Kabul airport.
Speaking from the White House after the deadly blast, Biden appeared to crumble under the pressure as he snapped at a reporter and lost his breath.
During Thursday’s press conference, Biden didn’t deny that names may have been handed over to the Taliban.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
HOW KABUL SUICIDE BOMBERS KILLED AT LEAST 170 IN AIRPORT BLAST AS ISIS-K FIGHTERS ‘SLIPPED PAST TALIBAN SECURITY’
A blast rocked the airport in Afghanistan yesterday just hours before the evacuation deadline leaving at least 13 US troops and dozens of Afghan civilians dead – but it has been revealed officials may have been frantically searching for a bomber when his device went off.
It has now emerged that at least one ISIS suicide bomber managed to slip past Taliban screening at the airport to launch an attack on US troops, reports the Mail.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
DESPERATE BRIT DAD REUNITED WITH FAMILY HE FEARED WERE KILLED IN KABUL AIRPORT BLAST
Two of Sidiq Marofahail’s children were pictured on The Sun’s front page clutching their passports.
Hours after the photo was taken at least 170 people — including two Britons — were killed in a terror attack in the Afghanistan capital.
Pizza shop worker Sidiq feared the worst while making a 4,000-mile dash from Bolton to try to rescue his family,
But yesterday he was back with his daughter Asia, six, and son Tawid, three, after they escaped the carnage unhurt.
Sidiq, 29, was also reunited with wife Sultan Zari and two other children, Aliya, one, and Mustafa, four months.
He told The Sun: “They had been waiting there all day, from early in the morning until almost sunset, when the explosion happened. It was terrifying, my children were so scared.”
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
TOM TUGENDHAT, CHAIR OF THE COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, DISAPPOINTED AT THE EVACUATION EFFORT FROM BRITISH
The former army officer told BBC Breakfast he is continuing to work to get people out of the country.
"I’m extremely sad about this and I very much hope that it might go beyond the August deadline but we found out a few days ago that it wasn’t, so I was expecting it. It still leaves me extremely sad that so many of my friends have been left behind.
"What I am working on, and you’ll understand I’m afraid that I’m not going to give you complete details about this, we’re looking at different networks to get people into second countries, and then connecting them to high commissions and ambassadors of the United Kingdom, to get them to the UK safely." he said.
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