A German Federal Police officer has received the nation’s highest order of merit for his role in the emergency evacuation of German citizens and Afghan local staff from Afghanistan in the late summer of 2021
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt presented the officer with the Federal Cross of Merit at a private ceremony in Sankt Augustin on Monday, according to reports in “Der Spiegel” magazine
The officer, a senior police commissioner known within his unit as “Fisch” was stationed at the German Embassy in Kabul as a security officer during the summer of 2021 When the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital, the officer, working with the Deputy Ambassador, facilitated the safe evacuation of diplomats He subsequently aided in enabling German military aircraft to land in Kabul, allowing for the rescue of German citizens and numerous Afghan local staff
Minister Dobrindt praised the officer’s courage and dedication “I thank the Senior Police Commissioner, known as ‘Fisch,’ for his outstanding performance during the evacuation in Kabul” Dobrindt told “Der Spiegel” He emphasized that the officer’s commitment exceeded expectations and deserved the “highest recognition” Dobrindt added that the officer significantly contributed to the success of the difficult evacuation operation, thereby enhancing the reputation of the Federal Republic of Germany
The rescue of local staff and other Afghan personnel who assisted the German mission in Afghanistan remains a topic of considerable discussion Approximately 2,000 Afghans, who have been granted permission to relocate to Germany since the fall of Kabul, are currently stranded in Pakistan The current government, particularly the conservative bloc, has signaled an intention to end the relocation program, with Interior Minister Dobrindt among its most vocal critics