Biden rejects allies’ pleas to keep troops in Afghanistan beyond end of August

US president acknowledges that completing airlift by 31 August depends on Taliban continuing to cooperate

Joe Biden has rejected the pleas of domestic and international allies to keep troops in Afghanistan for evacuation efforts beyond the end of the month, citing the growing threat of a terrorist attack.

In a move likely to fuel criticism that America is abandoning Afghan partners to the Taliban, the US president made clear that he is resolved to withdraw forces from Kabul airport by next Tuesday's deadline.