Fifth Successful Airlift Completes Rescue of Afghanistan National Institute of Music

Since the Taliban takeover on August 15, the future of Afghan music has hung in the balance. Yesterday (Nov 16), however, the last members of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) were airlifted from Kabul to Doha, Qatar. There they rejoined the ANIM students, faculty, staff, and immediate family members who were rescued in recent weeks, including the famed, all-female Zohra orchestra. The 272 members will continue to Portugal, where the school will be reconstituted. The rescue to Doha and reestablishment in Portugal will secure the future of Afghanistan’s rich but beleaguered musical heritage.

For ANIM, yesterday’s airlift was the last of five since October 2 and completes the school’s exit from Kabul. Read the press release here.