Afghanistan: Evacuations continue as deadline draws near

Afghan media reports said at least 20 people had died in shootings and stampedes at the Kabul airport since August 15.

Reports said the victims were caused by the chaos at the airfield, as many Afghans and foreigners tried to leave.

The United States has been scrambling to evacuate Americans and its Afghan partners from the country since the Taliban entered the capital Kabul on Aug. 15.

The White House said on Tuesday that around 21,600 people had been evacuated during a 24 hour-period ending early Tuesday morning.

In total, approximately 58,700 people had left the country since Aug. 14.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the U.S. aimed at completing Afghan evacuation by Aug. 31, while asking for contingency plans to adjust the timeline if necessary.