Democratic U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said after a briefing by intelligence officials on Monday that it is very unlikely that the evacuation of all Americans and at-risk locals from Afghanistan can be completed by the August 31 deadline.

"I think it's possible but I think it's very unlikely given the number of Americans who still need to be evacuated," Schiff said.

His statement comes just ahead of the G7 summit later today which will take up the issue of extending the August 31 deadline for withdrawal of US troops. While US President Joe Biden has been wavering on the issue, NATO allies Britain and the EU nations want the deadline to be extended as they still have to evacuate thousands of people.

The House Intelligence Committee chairman’s statement is bound to increase the pressure on Biden to extend the August 31 deadline. He is already under severe criticism from the opposition over the manner in which he has handled the withdrawal of US troops even though the decision to pullout after 20 years had been taken by his predecessor Donald Trump.

Biden’s job-approval rating has fallen to a 7-month low with the lightning takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban merely 10 days after the withdrawal of US troops.  

To make things more difficult, a defiant Taliban has said it would not allow an extension of the August 31 deadline for the evacuation and the US is to blame for the chaos in and around the Kabul airport.  

Leaders of the Group of Seven countries will also discuss whether to recognise or sanction a Taliban government.

According to media reports, leaders of the United States, Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Canada, and Japan who meet virtually later on Tuesday may use the possibility of unified official recognition, or renewed sanctions to push the Taliban to comply with pledges to respect women's rights and international relations.

"The G7 leaders will agree to coordinate on if, or when to recognise the Taliban," said one European diplomat. "And they will commit to continue to work closely together."

Leaders of the Taliban, who have turned media savvy and are projecting a more moderate face after capturing Kabul, have begun talks on forming a government. They have been issuing conciliatory statements about granting “general amnesty” even to those who fought in the war against them and allowing women to work although within the framework of Islamic rules. However, people are sceptical over the assurances and there is ample evidence on the ground that reveals the harsh side of the Taliban.

Also Read: Defiant Taliban says Aug 31 deadline for West to complete evacuation can’t be extended