The last US military has left Kabul Airport. Biden’s comment

The last US military has left Kabul Airport. Biden's comment

The last US military flight departed from Kabul, putting an end to the 20-year war. A C-17 military transport aircraft with the US ambassador on board left Afghanistan shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 31. Read today in USA.ONE:

Last US military leaves Afghanistan

United States President Joe Biden called the withdrawal «the best decision for America.»

The last military flight USA took off from Kabul The last US military has left Kabul Airport. Biden's comment

The plane that took off marked the end of the longest and most costly US war, as a result of which Afghanistan returned to the Islamites, with whom the Americans had been fighting since 2001. The last to board the C-17 was Major General Chris Donahue, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army.

As for those who did not have time to leave Afghanistan until yesterday, the diplomatic mission to assist them will continue. The mass evacuation from Kabul began on August 14 . Then the Taliban captured almost the entire country and were already approaching the capital. According to General Kenneth Mackenzie, head of the Central Command, which is responsible for US military operations in Afghanistan, over 123 thousand civilians were evacuated from the country in 17 days, i.e. 7.5 thousand per day.

According to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the evacuation was one of the most complex, large-scale, military, diplomatic and humanitarian activities ever carried out by the United States.

“The military mission is over. A new chapter has begun. Now it's up to the diplomatic mission,” he said.

Blinken also added that the Taliban will have to earn legitimacy and everything will depend on how the new regime will fulfill its obligations to ensure the free movement of citizens within the country or beyond. its borders, protect their rights, including the female population, and resist terrorist groups that may spread throughout the country.

The United States suspended its diplomatic presence in Kabul, moving operations to Doha, the capital of Qatar. At the same time, the government will help American citizens stuck in Afghanistan.

After the withdrawal of the military, the Taliban occupied the building of the Kabul airport, including the hangar with Chinook helicopters left by the Americans. Some of the fighters were seen wearing abandoned US Army uniforms and gear. The Taliban have begun inventorying the abandoned property and setting up guards around the perimeter.

As for the President of the United States, he stated that the decision not to extend the mission was taken unanimously by the military command. On Tuesday, August 31, Joe Biden addressed the nation with the words:

“The longest war in American history ended in Kabul yesterday.”

He called the US military's efforts to evacuate people from Kabul not a «military mission, but a mission of mercy», paying tribute to the self-sacrifice of US military personnel who died in the line of duty in the Afghan capital. According to the president, the evacuation could hardly have been more orderly than it was.

Biden recalled that his predecessor Donald Trump signed the agreement with the Taliban. Speaking about the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, he emphasized the priority of ensuring the national interests and security of US residents. The President listened to the views of the military and security officials, and also consulted with allies.

“We have been a country that has been at war for too long,” emphasized Joe Biden.

According to researchers from Brown University, over 20 years of military operations in Afghanistan, the United States spent 300 million dollars a day. According to Biden, American citizens should know about this. He also assured that the security of the country was and remains a priority for him.

The President added that at present the terrorist threat is not necessarily related to Afghanistan, as it was at the beginning of the war. It may come from Somalia or Yemen, where IS fighters are still active. The head of the White House said that this problem has not yet been resolved.

Recall that Joe Biden and members of his administration discussed for several weeks the possibility of leaving troops in Afghanistan longer than the deadline, weighing the pros and cons of such a decision for mass evacuation US citizens and Afghan civilians.

“The Joint Chiefs of Staff and commanders on the ground unanimously advised that the mission be completed as scheduled. They believe that ending hostilities is the best way to protect the lives of our soldiers and ensure the evacuation of those Afghans who want to leave the country soon,” Biden said.

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