Afghans at Rome airport, waiting for COVID tests

Passengers from an Italian military flight from Afghanistan to Rome were tested for COVID-19 on Monday prior to them being able to to leave the airport.

The flight which landed at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport was carrying embassy staff, Afghan employees and Italian nationals.

There were several Afghan families with young children who had been evacuated for their safety.

Following the test the Afghans were taken on a bus to an Italian military compound in the town of Roccaraso where they will stay for a period of quarantine.

The evacuation is part of Italy's Operation Aquila Omnia (Eagle Ready for Anything) to evacuate Italian diplomatic staff, citizens as well as Afghan employees and family members as quickly as possible.