Head of the US Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, on Monday, announced the completion of the withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan 20 years after its invasion of the country in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
“I’m here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate American citizens,” McKenzie said during a briefing at the Pentagon.
A C-17 military transport was the final flight that took off from Hamid Karzai International Airport under heavy security considering the previous two attacks in Afghanistan. One of the attacks was a suicide bombing that killed at least 175 people including 13 military personnel of the US Army.
Earlier this year, President Joe Biden had set a deadline of August 31 for the withdrawal of the U.S. troops.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the media shortly after the Pentagon’s announcement about the completion of the withdrawal of US troops. He said that around 100 Americans are still in Afghanistan and want to leave the war-hit country, adding that the U.S. will continue to try to evacuate Americans and Afghans out of the country once the Kabul airport reopens.
Blinken announced that the US Embassy in Afghanistan will remain closed and vacant till the next decisions are made. He also added that the American diplomats will be situated in Doha, Qatar.
Taliban celebrate victory
A senior Taliban representative said that they have made history as they celebrated their victory amongst fireworks and commemorative gunfire.
Anas Haqqani, the senior representative said in a tweet, “We made history again. The 20-year occupation of Afghanistan by the United States and Nato ended tonight, I am very happy that after 20 years of jihad, sacrifices & hardships I have this pride to see these historic moments.”
China closely observing Afghanistan after US troops leave Afghanistan
With the geopolitical interests of China at stake and also because of its significant investments in Afghanistan as well as neighbor Pakistan, the Beijing office is very closely watching the Afghan situation as the US troops leave the country. It is also looking forward to having peaceful diplomatic relations with the new Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Kabul at Peace after the withdrawal of US forces
After the celebrations ended late at night, the next morning was a very calm one in Kabul city. On Tuesday, the locals woke up early under the complete Taliban control and removal of the US Army from the country.
The atmosphere is peaceful and the residents are carrying out their daily jobs with many unanswered questions for what their new rulers will bring about in Afghanistan.