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.
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