Defence Force Hercules departs for Afghanistan to rescue Kiwi evacuees

Thursday, 19 August 2021

An RNZAF Hercules leaves Whenuapai Airbase for a mercy flight to Afghanistan.

A Defence Force Hercules aircraft has departed for Afghanistan on a mission to rescue evacuees from Kabul’s airport.

The C130 had been scheduled to depart Whenuapai Airbase at 8am today, but was delayed, with a Stuff photographer at the air base saying it took off at roughly 10.20am. The reason for the delay is not yet known.

A spokesman for the Defence Force said the aircraft would help to evacuate Kiwi and other foreign nationals from Kabul, which fell to Taliban control on Sunday night (NZ time).

At last count, the Government estimated there were 104 New Zealanders stranded in Afghanistan.

**READ MORE:

The RNZAF Hercules destined for Afghanistan is loaded and prepped for takeoff at Whenuapai Airbase.

* Afghanistan: Most of the 37 Afghans to be rescued by New Zealand forced into hiding far from Kabul

* Confusion in Afghanistan around who's eligible for New Zealand mercy flight

The reason for the delayed departure of the Hercules is not yet known.

* Afghanistan: Number of stranded New Zealanders doubles to 104

A crew of 40 are expected to be aboard the Hercules flight to Kabul

That total, released yesterday, was double the original estimate.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that 104 New Zealanders were receiving consular assistance, but specifics would not be released due to privacy reasons.

There remains some confusion over who is eligible for the mercy flight.

An interpreter whose family worked with the Defence Force in Afghanistan called on Tuesday for clarity from the Government about who would be allowed onto the aircraft.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday she could not give any guarantees about when Kiwis in Afghanistan will be evacuated, saying it would “literally come down to what is possible and when”.

On Monday, Ardern said about 40 personnel would be sent aboard the plane.

The Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday night, leading to grave fears for the New Zealanders known to be in the country, as well as Afghan interpreters who previously assisted New Zealand forces.

The ability to rescue 37 Afghan allies remains in question, after news reports that less than half of the group reached Kabul.

Most have reportedly been forced into hiding in the mountainous Bamiyan province.

The plane may face chaotic scenes when it arrives.

At least 10 people died, Afghanistan’s TOLO News reported on Monday, as hundreds of people flooded the tarmac at Kabul’s airport, some clinging to departing United States military jets.