AFGHANISTAN

Denmark and Norway close their embassies in Kabul

British military personnel boarding an aircraft where they are deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Pitting to support the withdrawal of British troops. Photo: Lphot Ben Shread/Mod/Crown Copyr/Ministry of Defence via PA Media/dpa.
Both said the safety of employees, expatriates and local staff was the highest priority

Denmark and Norway are temporarily closing their embassies in Kabul as the Taliban continues to gain power in Afghanistan.

All Danish embassy staff will be evacuated, including local employees from Afghanistan, Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said at a press conference, according to Ritzau news agency and DR and TV2 broadcasters.

Not long afterwards, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide announced the country would proceed likewise.

Both said the safety of employees, expatriates and local staff was the highest priority.