Joe Biden Agrees To Stick To August 31 Afghan Pullout Deadline: Report

The Pentagon recommendation was made on Monday based on concerns about security risks to American forces, the official said.

President Joe Biden has accepted a Pentagon recommendation to remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan by an Aug. 31 deadline, an administration official told Reuters on Tuesday. Biden also asked for contingency plans to stay longer, should it be necessary, the official said. The Pentagon recommendation reflects increasing security concerns at the Kabul airport, where American citizens and at-risk Afghans are being evacuated. Washington is telling the Taliban the Aug. 31 deadline is contingent on the group's cooperation in facilitating evacuations, the official added.