Coalition accused of being too slow to organise evacuation mission to Afghanistan

Australia sends 250 troops for rescue mission but ex-defence force chief says we've just left it far too late'

The Australian government has been accused of waiting far too long to organise a military evacuation mission to Afghanistan, as it sends 250 defence force personnel to the region in a last-ditch bid to help people flee the Taliban.

Amid shock at the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, the Australian government promised to continue to work with key partners in the days ahead" to seek the safe passage of more than 130 Australians in the country, along with Afghan nationals who worked alongside its troops and diplomats, and humanitarian visa holders.