In urgent cable, US embassy calls on Washington to evacuate Afghan staffers threatened by Taliban

The US Embassy in Afghanistan is urging Washington to evacuate Afghans who are under threat because of their work with the U.S. government, according to an internal cable

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan is urging Washington to evacuate Afghans who are under threat because of their work with the U.S. government -- warning they cannot get out on their own and are in desperate need, according to an internal cable obtained by ABC News. In an urgent and emotional appeal to State Department leadership, Ambassador Ross Wilson called for help for the thousands of Afghans who served the U.S., but will not be evacuated in the coming weeks by the administration. President Joe Biden has said he is committed to helping Afghans who helped the U.S. But his plans only call for relocating Afghans who have received approval for a special immigrant visa -- a program created by Congress for interpreters, guides and other contractors who worked for the U.S. military and diplomatic missions for two years. With nearly one third of Afghanistan's provincial capitals now captured by Taliban fighters, Afghans, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging the administration to increase the tempo of evacuation flights and the scope of who qualifies for a coveted seat on one.