Apr 25, 2021 - Politics & Policy

U.S. military starts Afghanistan withdrawal

Ivana Saric

U.S. troops near Bagram, Afghanistan in 2014. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Image

The American military has begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan, Gen. Austin Miller, the head of the U.S.-led coalition there, said at a press conference Sunday, per the New York Times.

Why it matters: Miller's statement comes about two weeks after President Joe Biden formally announced that the U.S. would execute a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan and effectively "end America’s longest war."

What they're saying: “I now have a set of orders," said Miller.

"We will conduct an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan, and that means transitioning bases and equipment to the Afghan security forces.”

What's more: In addition to the 3,500 U.S. troops that will leave the country by mid-September, many of the 7,000 NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan will also withdraw, according to the Times.

Many private contractors operating in Afghanistan will leave as well, though Miller noted that some contracts will be adjusted to continue support for the Afghan security forces.

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U.S. military starts Afghanistan withdrawal

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