On August 30, 2021, the last of the American troops left Kabul, ending the 20-years-long Afghanistan war leaving behind a devastated nation back in the hands of the radical Islamist group.
Amid the stories of disappointments and bereavement, another sad picture emerged when it was reported that while leaving the country, US troops also left 51 contract working dogs behind. Now NGOs and veterans are trying to rescue the dogs from Afghanistan. An organization named Kabul Small Animal Rescue (KSAR) launched a last-minute rescue operation codenamed Operation Hercules to save the stranded dogs on Kabul that included the contract working dogs.
Tommy Amenta, veteran and author, issued a video statement on August 30 describing the situation. He said that the last few hours in the rescue operation were chaos, and he was not sure if the chartered plane they had arranged for the dogs would be able to land or not. He further added that Joshua T. Hosler, President of Veteran Sheepdogs of America, has offered to take the military dogs in the plane that was already on the ground. Tommy Amenta, veteran and author, issued a video statement on August 30 describing the situation. He said that the last few hours in the rescue operation were chaos, and he was not sure if the chartered plane they had arranged for the dogs would be able to land or not.
He further added that Joshua T. Hosler, President of Veteran Sheepdogs of America, has offered to take the military dogs in the plane that was already on the ground. In a tweet, Veteran Sheepdogs of America had mentioned that the rescue operation is costing them at least $1.67 million. It said, “It costs $1.67 million for a 737 plane out of Kabul.
We are working with our contacts for donations. We have the majority of the funds to fly out at least 140 and 51 military working dogs! Anything will help! Dogs need to leave tonight.”
