In a statement from the White House, hours after talking with G7 leaders, President Biden said the United States in on the track to complete its hurried airlift in Afghanistan by August 31, acknowledging he does not plan to keep US troops in the country and longer even as questions remain over who will be able to leave and when.

However, Mr. Biden also said he has asked the Pentagon and the State Department for contingency plans to adjust the final evacuation date should it become necessary.

Joe Biden pointed out that the situation in Kabul may worsen the longer the United States remains there.

Our troops face additional risks every single day, but withdrawal depends on the Taliban cooperating and allowing people access to the airport, Biden said.

Shortly before these statements, Mr. Biden gave these same explanations to his allies at the virtual G7 meeting to whom he reiterated that Washington is working to complete its military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

pgh/Pll/msm / avr