Shortly before midnight, the “longest war” in US history was over: The US completed its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and thus ended its military operation in the Hindu Kush after 20 years.
The last US military aircraft of the type C-17 took off exactly one minute before midnight, Afghan time. “I am here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate US citizens, third-country nationals and Afghans at risk,” said US Forces Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie. This also ends the military mission to evacuate Americans, allies and Afghans seeking protection. US President Joe Biden thanked his military commanders and the soldiers involved for their commitment.
Farewell to the USA, shots of joy from the Taliban
The US suspended its diplomatic presence in the Hindu Kush until further notice, and the embassy was relocated from Kabul to Doha. Washington is opening a “new” chapter on Afghanistan, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This “new diplomatic mission” will be led by a “new team” led by Ian McCary, who was previously number two in the embassy in Kabul.
The disappearance of the last troops marks the end of 20 years of US military activity in Afghanistan. The withdrawal sparked cheers among the Taliban, who had taken power a little over two weeks ago. Shots of joy were fired in Kabul.
The USA and its NATO partners invaded Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In a short time, the Western military alliance drove the then ruling Taliban, who had given shelter to the al-Qaeda terrorist network, from power. Afghanistan never came to rest, however, the bloody conflict dragged on for almost two decades and is considered the “longest war” in US history.
In the midst of the planned US troop reduction, the Taliban overran the country and took power on the weekend of August 14 with their invasion of Kabul. This was followed by a dramatic evacuation mission at Kabul airport to bring Western citizens and Afghan local workers out of the country.
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