Washington, DC [US], May 21 (ANI): The US Department of Defense on Wednesday announced a comprehensive review of the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan, a chaotic operation that culminated in the deaths of 13 US service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at Kabul International Airport’s Abbey Gate. The review is intended to bring greater accountability and transparency by examining previous investigations and scrutinizing the decision-making processes that led to the tragic event.
The Department stated that a Special Review Panel will be convened to analyze findings of fact, sources, and witness accounts to ensure a complete understanding of the withdrawal and its consequences. “On August 26, 2021, former US President Joe Biden’s administration led a chaotic withdrawal of US military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 US service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport’s Abbey Gate,” the Department of Defense noted.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that both he and President Donald Trump had formally pledged to deliver a full account of what transpired during the withdrawal. “The Department of Defense has an obligation, both to the American people and to the warfighters who sacrificed their youth in Afghanistan, to get to the facts. This remains an important step toward regaining faith and trust with the American people and all those who wear the uniform, and is prudent based on the number of casualties and equipment lost during the execution of this withdrawal operation,” the statement read.
Hegseth disclosed that the Department has been engaged in reviewing this event for the past three months. “I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people,” he said.
To fulfill this goal, Hegseth is directing the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (ATSD-PA) and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell to establish a Special Review Panel (SRP). This panel will thoroughly examine earlier investigations, including findings of fact, sources, witnesses, and the decision-making that led to what Hegseth described as “one of America’s darkest and deadliest international moments.”
“This team will ensure accountability to the American people and the warfighters of our great nation,” the Department added.
(ANI)
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