Clock ticking for US to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by August 31 deadline

US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed plans to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by August 31, 2021. Biden’s pledge came after G7 leaders pleaded in a virtual meeting on August 24 for US troops to stay at Kabul airport beyond the end of the month to allow more time for evacuations. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warned the group will not permit another extension after the Trump administration initially set a May 1 withdrawal date.