SOME 2,000 Afghans who worked with British forces and charities are still behind Taliban lines awaiting evacuation, it emerged last night.
Defence chiefs working round the clock admit privately there will be “people left behind”.
Around 10,000 Afghans are crowded around Kabul airport’s perimeter fence, waving passports and pleading to be let on one of the last flights out before the August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden.
Last night Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told MPs on a video call that the next 24 hours are “crucial”.
He said fleeing families are even being told not to go to Kabul airport any more because they may not make it out, MPs reported.
And he admitted even Afghans who have the right documents to come to Britain are being beaten back by ferocious Taliban guards.
He conceded that without a Brit physically by their side they may not make it past the gauntlet. British troops have been left in just the uniform they are wearing and kit they can carry to clear more room on flights for refugees.
In total, 11,474 Afghans have been evacuated — including 1,184 plucked to safety in 12 hours yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said.