Private charter jet with over 100 Americans, special visa holders aboard departs Kabul for U.S.

A private charter jet is headed back to the U.S. from Kabul with more than 100 American citizens and green card holders, as well as nine Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders after the group was left stranded last month.

Mark Geist, a former Marine who fought int  the Battle of Benghazi, told Fox News that the effort to bring the group home was a project taken on by several organizations, including The Shadow Warriors Project, Project Dynamo, and the Human First Coalition. 

"Groups of veterans and concerned Americans have come together utilizing their expertise gained from years of service to ensure that those Americans in need are not left behind," said Geist. 

Among those aboard the flight back to the U.S. this week were 59 children under the age of 18, and 16 children under the age of three. The plane departed Kabul for the United Arab Emirates before taking off again toward its final destination in the U.S.

Bryan Stern, a Project Dynamo founder, said "In large part our success is due to the many partnerships we have developed with organizations, governments, and donors. The teamwork has been awe inspiring. We pray that we have more opportunities in the future to continue our mission and honor the promise."

Biden administration officials estimated earlier this month that close to 100 Americans remained stranded in Afghanistan following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. military forces at the end of August.

During a recent episode of the "John Solomon Reports" podcast, Geist said he does not believe the estimations being shared with the public by the U.S. government are very close to the reality on the ground in Afghanistan. "I think it's up to our senators and congressmen that are representing the people on both sides of the aisle to actually find out where the disconnect is. I mean, is it intentional misinformation? Or is it just an inability to get things right?" asked Geist.