WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement on efforts to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies from Afghanistan:

“The Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan has provoked a humanitarian crisis that will have far reaching consequences. President Biden can attempt to blame others for his failure, but the reality is that his decisions have trapped American citizens, Afghan allies, and their families in the country with few options for escape. President Biden must follow through on his promise to devote all available resources toward getting these people out as quickly as possible.

“If you have loved ones stranded in Kabul, please email my office with all applicable information at EVAC@wicker.senate.gov. My staff and I are doing everything we can to get this information to the appropriate people as quickly as possible.

“I will also be calling on my friends and colleagues in the nations closest to Afghanistan to urge them to accept displaced Afghans, whether temporarily for screening or permanently for resettlement.

“This is a dark time in our nation’s history. We can all be praying for our U.S. military, the innocent civilians attempting to flee Afghanistan, and the vast majority of Afghans who will now be forced to live under Taliban rule.”