In Afghanistan, the last US troops leave Kabul ending a war that went on for 2 decades. After the evacuation, the Taliban celebrated the event with gunfire as now there remains no defensive force of resistance between them and Afghanistan.
Major General Chris Donahue entered into the history books as being the last ever US soldier to step off the Afghan soil and step into the evacuation plane. An 82nd Airborne Division commander, Donahue is marking the end of US’ war on Afghanistan that waged for almost 2 decades.
The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021
Details
Amid reports of attacks and retaliations of severe magnitude, the US finally concluded its much contentious 20-years of presence in Afghanistan on August 31, 2021. What started off as US forces occupying Afghanistan to eliminated Al Qaeda bases and curb the Taliban rule, it ironically ended with the same Taliban making rapid gains & now occupying the major provinces of the country.
“20-year Military Presence Has Ended”: President Biden
On the occasion of the “war’s end”, the US released images taken by night-vision camera of the last American troop evacuating from Kabul – Major General Chris Donahue. President Biden, who had first announced the highly contentious decision of a complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan on April 13, 2021, issued a statement on the occasion, thanking US troops for their service.
“I want to thank our commanders and the men and women serving under them for their execution of the dangerous retrograde from Afghanistan as scheduled…”, President Biden’s statement read. It further added, “Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended.”
The past 17 days have seen our troops execute the largest airlift in US history. They have done it with unmatched courage, professionalism, and resolve. Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended.
My full statement: https://t.co/kfLkzQtEzp
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 30, 2021
Will Continue Working with International Partners: Biden on Future Plans
His statement further expressed the US’ commitment of collaborating with international partners for a safe passage to whoever further wants to leave Afghanistan. “This will include work to build on the UN Security Council Resolution passed this afternoon that sent the clear message of what the international community expects the Taliban to deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel,” it further read.
Taliban Celebrates US Withdrawal with Gunfire
Meanwhile, the Taliban too shared videos and images of its militants celebrating the US troop pull-out by a celebratory gunfire. Taliban spokesperson Qari Yusuf was quoted by Al Jazeera saying, “The last U.S. soldier has left Kabul airport and our country gained complete independence.”
Celebratory gunfire from #Taliban fighters shooting tracer rounds into #Kabul's night sky after #US withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/4dhrHz7CNw
— Nabih (@nabihbulos) August 30, 2021
Also Read: Afghanistan: Another US Drone Strike Takes Down IS-K Car Bomber, Children Among Civilian Deaths
War in Afghanistan – A Timeline of the Biggest Events in 20 Years
Late 2001: As an aftermath of 9/11 attack, the US invades Afghanistan with the help of a coalition. United Kingdom proved to be a major ally for the US. Taliban government dismantled. Afghanistan capital Kabul captured.
2004-2006: US forces along with allies continue fighting with the Taliban militants. Afghanistan tries restoring itself by passing new constitution. Taliban still shows no sign of backing off.
February 2009: Newly appointed US President Barack Obama pulls lever on an increased military presence in Afghanistan. As many as 1,70,000 US troops had occupied Afghanistan.
May 2011: 9/11 mastermind and Al-Qaeda supremo Osama Bin Laden eliminated by US Navy Seals.
December 2014: President Obama issues US troop withdrawal timeline. Taliban continues with attacks. American troops stay back on the pretext of training Afghan forces.
February 2020: After a round of peace talks, the US and Taliban sign agreement for peace in Afghanistan. Conflicts curbed only to resume with same intensity. US announces troop withdrawal by the end of President Donald Trump’s tenure.
April 2021: Newly appointed president Joe Biden announces withdrawal of US troops by September 11, marking the anniversary of 9/11 attack.
August 2021: Taliban makes rapid gains, gaining control of borders and provinces. On August 16, Kabul was in control of the Taliban. President Ashraf Ghani had fled the country and Afghan security forces surrendered completely.
August 31, 2021: US officially completes troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
