McDonnell Douglas C-17

[Highkeas]

Interesting article here on the Afghanistan airlift at the end of August. I guess that the C-17s flew into Kabul with enough fuel for their return flights.
Air Force C-17 pilots burnt out but proud after Afghanistan evacuation (taskandpurpose.com)

[Guest]

It makes sense, it was necessary to have enough fuel to leave the combat area and recover to a safe airport where to perform a safe refuel.

Or (now I do not remember if this airplane can do air-to-air reful but I guess it is capable) they were going to Kabul to evacuate personnel and later perform an air-to-air refuel in a safe airspace with a USAF tanker and carry on until the mother base.

Nobody would go there and remain blocked on the ground for lack of fuel in the tanks