Pentagon launches major Afghanistan review​

Washington, April 24 The Pentagon has launched what it described as its most comprehensive review of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, revisiting decisions that led to the chaotic 2021 exit.​

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Friday that the review aims to provide a full accounting of events leading up to and during the withdrawal.​

“There’s never actually been a full accounting… of the decisions that were made,” he said during a press briefing.

He described the ongoing effort as “probably the most comprehensive review this department has ever done about a single series of events.”​

The findings are expected later this summer.

​Hegseth said the review would examine both strategic and operational decisions, including the handling of the evacuation from Kabul and the events surrounding Abbey Gate.

​“One of the early results… is to ensure they get the due recognition… for the heroism they showed,” he said, referring to US Marines involved in the evacuation.

​He also linked the withdrawal to broader global consequences. “The cascading effect… had ripple effects for our military, for our country, and for the world,” he said.

​The Pentagon has tasked senior officials with leading the review, aiming to assess accountability and identify lessons for future operations.

​Hegseth criticised the manner of the withdrawal, calling it a “disastrous” episode that shaped global perceptions of US resolve.

​“The world looked at that disaster and made choices,” he said, referring to actions by adversaries following the withdrawal.

​The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the end of a 20-year military presence.

​The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the chaotic evacuation from Kabul drew widespread criticism and triggered multiple congressional inquiries.

--IANS

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