'We said we'd be back': Britain restarts military rescue flights for stranded Afghans as more than 100 land in the UK on first planes since Kabul airlift

  • Two evacuation flights arrived in

'We said we'd be back': Britain restarts military rescue flights for stranded Afghans as more than 100 land in the UK on first planes since Kabul airlift

  • Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals
  • Repatriation flights and single relocations taking place since the end of August
  • But the two airlifts were first military relocations since the end of the evacuation

By James Gant For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

More than 100 Afghans have arrived in the UK after being airlifted out of a neighbouring country by the RAF.

Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting.

Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said

Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said 

While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting

While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK'

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK'

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK.

'As I made clear at the time, our commitment to the Afghan people did not end there.

'We are determined to do right by those who supported our Armed Forces for so many years and others who are at risk.

'These flights mark the beginning of what will be an enduring effort to relocate and support those who need our help.'

The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK.

The department said those on board – vulnerable Afghans who fall under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) who are eligible for relocation to the UK, and British nationals – will now receive support if needed.

The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK

The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK

Members of the Royal Air Force welcome Afghan nationals who are being flown from a third country to the UK

Members of the Royal Air Force welcome Afghan nationals who are being flown from a third country to the UK

British soldiers interact with Afghan families on the plane while wearing face coverings on Saturday

British soldiers interact with Afghan families on the plane while wearing face coverings on Saturday

Military workers look down a plane carrying Afghans into Britain in handout photos from the MoD today

Military workers look down a plane carrying Afghans into Britain in handout photos from the MoD today

Further flights are also due to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks with more eligible people on board.

Britain and the US ended their military presence in August with the final troops flying out from Kabul's airport.

They left behind hundreds of citizens and Afghan allies desperate to flee the country in the hands of the Taliban.

The UK helped fly some 15,000 people to safety but stories emerged of interpreters who helped the armed forces over the last 20 years left stranded.

It is not known precisely how many people who were promised sanctuary in the UK were left behind.

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