According to France 24, Afghanistan's professional women cyclists faced an existential threat when the Taliban returned to power, forcing their international careers into the shadows overnight. In response, an unprecedented covert operation was mounted to secretly evacuate these athletes out of the country—a daring rescue that has only now come to light. The mission underscores both the Taliban's severe restrictions on women's public life and the international solidarity mobilized to shield these athletes from persecution.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton