A group of Afghan girl footballers have flown into the UK, the culmination of an extraordinary rescue effort that began after the Taliban seized power. The costly operation brought together an unlikely cast of characters, from Muslim sports-people to spies, philanthropists, and a Hasidic rabbi. The girls – aged between 13 and 19 – arrived from Pakistan overnight. Their flight was chartered by a Jewish aid organisation and was paid for by the US star, Kim Kardashian-West. “It’s Mission Accomplished,” said Khalida Popal, former manager of Afghanistan’s national women’s team, who co-ordinated their rescue from Denmark. “I’m so happy and so proud of these girls. They were traumatised. They’ve been through so much and managed to stay strong. Now they can start a new life and breathe freedom.”(BBC)…[+]