The 2021 Afghan Crisis: Rescuing Ciano’s Afghan Employees

In August 2021, the Taliban’s advancement across Afghanistan, which had been underway for several months, culminated in the fall of Kabul. Ciano, having provided catering services at German Army and NATO bases in the country for years, saw the lives of its employees placed in grave danger. Several staff members contacted the Company; the situation was dire. They were forced to flee their homes and go into hiding to avoid falling into the hands of the Taliban, who sought vengeance against those they considered collaborators with international institutions.

It was clear that immediate action was required. Kabul airport was under siege, and flights were soon to be suspended, ending any hope of escape. Ciano managed to establish contact with a Colonel of the Italian Army, who had already been on the ground for days managing evacuation operations.

What followed were frantic days and nights—a feverish race against time. On one side, the employees attempted to stay in contact and slowly gather their groups, navigating checkpoints to reach Abbey Gate, the gateway to safety and airport access. On the other, the Company worked to collect as much information as possible: names of family members, photos of ID documents, and real-time locations. Among them were many children and teenagers; access to food and water became increasingly scarce, while the extreme risks and high temperatures jeopardized everyone’s health.

There were many moments when it seemed they would not make it. Some children became separated from their families, planes were overcrowded, and the possibility of saving everyone seemed to slip away. Yet, the Company did not give up. The Colonel and his men remained fully committed, receiving the lists of names one by one. Eventually, they managed to establish visual contact with the group, finally bringing them inside the airport and reuniting the families.

On August 25th, the refugees landed at Fiumicino Airport. The sleepless nights were rewarded by their smiles and the profound sense of relief on their faces. Children played as airport volunteers entertained them, doing their best to make them feel at ease.

In total, 17 families — over 100 people — arrived in Italy. Others managed to reach the United States or other European countries where relatives had previously settled and were able to welcome them.

A new chapter of reconstruction then began: the vital need to ensure they were not abandoned and were settled with dignity. Following the mandatory quarantine due to the ongoing health crisis, the families were taken into the care of the State through various national associations. The integration process is neither simple nor quick, but these individuals are highly motivated to turn the page and leave behind the fear and horrors of their homeland.

Ciano continues to maintain contact with them, providing aid and acting as a point of reference. There have been several opportunities to reunite, including a visit to Rome and participation in a Wednesday Papal Audience, where they had a close encounter with His Holiness.