U.S. to launch of flight program to relocate Afghans

The Biden administration announced Wednesday the start of "Operation Allies Refuge" to support Afghans who face threats from the Taliban for helping the U.S. during the 20-year war. 

The operation will start  in the last week of July and will support relocation flights for individuals and their families who helped the U.S. government and are applying for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). The U.S. has been drawing down troops from Afghanistan, including the handover of the largest military base in the country, and plans to withdraw the majority of troops by August 31. With the Taliban seizing more territory amid the U.S. withdrawal, Afghans who helped the U.S. face grave danger.  President Biden last week said about 2,500 applicants have received the visas and about 1,000 have taken a flight to come to the U.S. already.