US vows to ‘use every appropriate tool’ against Taliban if the group prevents evacuations from Afghanistan

The US government on Wednesday vowed to isolate and “use every appropriate tool” against the Taliban if the group prevents the departure of people Washington is trying to evacuate from Afghanistan.

Speaking in solemn tones, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said Taliban cooperation on meeting humanitarian needs, counterterrorism, and the protection of the rights of women would be necessary for Washington to recognise the group as Afghanistan’s official government.