U.S. to begin evacuating Afghan helpers this month

U.S. officials will begin evacuating Afghan allies by the end of this month to a safe third-country while their visa applications are being processed, an administration official confirmed on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden is expected to formally announce the effort, dubbed “Operation Allies Refuge,” later on Wednesday.

Tracey Jacobsen, former U.S. ambassador to Kosovo, will oversee the effort. Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security personnel will also assist in the evacuations.