More than 100 Afghans arrive in UK after being airlifted out of neighbouring country

More than 100 Afghans have arrived in the UK after being airlifted out of a neighbouring country by the RAF.

Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK.

"As I made clear at the time, our commitment to the Afghan people did not end there. We are determined to do right by those who supported our Armed Forces for so many years and others who are at risk.

"These flights mark the beginning of what will be an enduring effort to relocate and support those who need our help."

The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK.

More than 100 desperate Afghans were airlifted out of an unnamed third country by the RAF (PA)

The department said those on board - vulnerable Afghans who fall under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) who are eligible for relocation to the UK, and British nationals - will now receive support if needed.

Further flights are also due to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks with more eligible people on board.

Trump arranged the US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in May 1 this year and the Biden administration has blamed him for putting in place the timescale for leaving.

Former US president Donald Trump agreed the withdrawal of US troops and defended his actions by saying that it was on his terms and he was tough in the negotiations.

Those on the flight were vulnerable Afghans eligible for relocation to the UK and British nationals (PA)

The Mirror told in August how chaotic scenes followed in the Afghan capital as opponents of the Taliban desperately sought to leave the country via the airport.

President Biden was also criticised for a poorly organised withdrawal.

It was then claimed that lives could be put at risk for interpreters and other people who helped Western countries but have not been able to leave in time.

Further flights are also due to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks with more eligible people on board (PA)

And earlier this month campaigners claimed interpreters left behind after Britain’s withdrawal from Afghanistan had not been been evacuated.

Up to 200 translators, British embassy support staff and families face being executed or imprisoned by the Taliban government.

Many are now in hiding and begging for food and money from family and friends.

Terrified interpreters told the Mirro r they had been abandoned by the UK.

The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK (PA)

Dad-of-four Aleem then said: “We left Kandahar for Kabul when the Taliban came. The British embassy said they would get my family out.

“But in the chaos we couldn’t get to the airport. I haven’t heard anything since. We have sold all of our jewellery to buy food, now we’re selling our clothes. I am hiding in a cellar with my family.

"The Taliban are everywhere, constantly checking for anyone who worked for foreign governments.”