WSJ: Colleagues out of Afghanistan, and others are departing

Wall Street Journal editor in chief Matt Murray and managing editor Karen Pensiero sent out the following on Friday:

Dear All:

As the week ends, we wanted to share with you the latest news on our Afghan colleagues.

These journalists and other staffers have been essential members of The Wall Street Journal news team in Kabul for two decades. Their collective bravery and talents have indelibly strengthened our reports. For that work, they faced serious threats from the Taliban that intensified in recent weeks.

After some tense and difficult days, we can happily report that 76 of our colleagues and their families made their way safely out of the country earlier this week and are in Qatar. They are safe, in high spirits and in good accommodations, and we expect they will soon depart for another destination. Four others are safe and secure with their journey underway.

It is a moment for profound relief and appreciation for the many people across Dow Jones who have worked tirelessly for many days to help our colleagues make their way to freedom. It was truly an extraordinary team effort unparalleled in our memory.

In the last few days, our colleagues and their families have been through a lot—and while they are physically safe, their ordeal is not yet over. Throughout, they have shown admirable courage and resilience.

They face a long process of resettlement and need our ongoing support. We have already taken steps to navigate this next phase and will share more as we can. But today, with gratitude and hope, we celebrate their safety—and resolve to continue to help them on their journeys.

Matt and Karen