23 students from Southern California among thousands still stuck in Afghanistan

KABC logo
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
23 students from Southern California stuck in Afghanistan
Among the thousands still stuck in Afghanistan are a group of students from Southern California who were never able to return from their summer trip.

Among the thousands still stuck in Afghanistan are a group of students from Southern California who were never able to return from their summer trip.

Twenty-three students from the Cajon Valley Union School District, just outside San Diego, are currently in Kabul with their parents. They had gone to Afghanistan to visit their extended relatives on a non-school-sanctioned trip.

They are now trying to make their way to the airport or board a U.S. military flight before the Aug. 31 deadline arrives for the U.S. to withdraw from the country.

What is happening in Afghanistan? Expert explains what you need to know

Here's a look at key events and players in the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of war.

"They reached out specifically to us to find out (if we could) hold a spot for them in school," said Mike Serban with the school district. "We said absolutely, it's the least we can do to ease any of your stress."

District officials say the students and their families are safe.

Some were already on their way to the airport when the Taliban seized control of the city.