US considers having airlines help with refugees

13 Sept 10:54 Key points summarised by AI

The U.S. is considering activating the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program, issuing a warning order to commercial airlines to transport Afghan refugees from transit points to other countries or U.S. military bases.
The large-scale evacuation effort faces significant logistical challenges, including security threats at Kabul airport, backlogs at waystations like Qatar's al-Udeid Air Base reaching maximum capacity, and difficulties in screening evacuees.
Thousands of civilians have been evacuated, but the process is hampered by the sheer volume of people, with only a fraction being Americans, and officials acknowledge the difficulty in tracking the exact number of U.S. citizens remaining in Afghanistan.
International cooperation is underway, with 13 countries agreeing to temporarily host at-risk Afghans and 12 others serving as transit points for evacuees, underscoring global efforts to manage the crisis.

Sihasak urges Thais in Europe to stay alert as protests spread

Yesterday 12:06 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow advises Thai nationals in Europe to avoid protest areas and reconsider non-essential travel, citing widespread unrest in countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
The warning comes as demonstrations escalate, with some turning violent, prompting concerns for safety and leading to an emergency Cabinet meeting in Italy and a proposed postponement of diplomatic talks.
Thai embassies and the Department of Consular Affairs issue advisories, urging citizens to monitor local developments, follow official announcements, and register their travel details for assistance, while emphasizing that no Thais have been directly affected yet.