There were 188 people onboard the first Canadian military plane to depart Kabul since the Taliban seized Afghanistan earlier this week, CBC News has learned.
Details of the operation were confirmed by a government source granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the figure publicly.
The Globe and Mail first reported details about the evacuation flight.
The Department of National Defence confirmed yesterday that Canadian soldiers had arrived on the ground in Kabul to assist the rescue mission.
Ottawa is using two military planes to shuttle Afghans who assisted the Canadian government out of the country. Some are destined for resettlement in Canada, but the federal government has said it will also transport refugees heading to other countries.
The city’s airport is considered secure largely because of the presence of U.S. military, though the Taliban is reportedly controlling entry to the airport.
Canada has said it will operate the rescue mission as long as the airport remains secure, although Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said yesterday that it will be “almost impossible” to rescue everyone who is eligible for the government’s emergency resettlement program.
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