Pentagon to Review US' Disastrous Afghanistan Exit, Orders by Defense Chief

Washington: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to begin a comprehensive review of the 'failed and shameful withdrawal' of US forces from Afghanistan in the year 2021. The withdrawal ended nearly 20 years of US military presence in Afghanistan and was carried out by then-President Joe Biden and his national security team in August 2021.

What were the arguments for the investigation

A memorandum stated, "On August 26, 2021, the Biden administration led the withdrawal of US military and embassy officials from Afghanistan, which led to the death of 13 American soldiers and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate of Kabul International Airport." He said, "This step is important to restore trust between the American people and the soldiers. At the same time, it is also appropriate in view of the casualties and loss of equipment during this withdrawal."

What did the US Defense Minister say

Hegseth said that it is the duty of the Defense Department to investigate this operation, as the US administration has an obligation to the American people and the soldiers who fought in Afghanistan to bring out the truth. He said in the statement, "The Biden administration's failed and shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago led to the death of 13 American soldiers and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at Kabul airport. President Trump promised accountability for this military withdrawal and I am committed to fulfilling that promise."

Sean Parnell will lead the investigation

The US Defense Secretary has directed Pentagon's chief spokesman and senior adviser Sean Parnell to lead a special review panel of the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said, "Sean Parnell served 485 days in Afghanistan. He was wounded in battle and 85 percent of his platoon members were also wounded and lost countless friends in the war on terrorism. It is appropriate that he will lead the reinvestigation of the Abbey Gate investigation conducted by the US Central Command during the Biden administration."

Who is included in the panel

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said that Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller is a respected Marine officer who spoke openly about the withdrawal from Afghanistan and Jerry Dunleavy played a key role in the House Foreign Affairs Committee's investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal, he will also be included in this special review panel.

Which aspects will be investigated

He said, "Sean and his team will investigate the facts, analyze the sources, interview witnesses, study the decision-making process and review the events that led to one of America's darkest moments." He said that Sean and his team will provide updates at the appropriate time, so that the American public is kept informed about the findings of our investigation and any action that arises from it.