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Tipsheet

BREAKING: America's Longest War is Over

(Jason Minto/U.S. Air Force via AP)

UPDATE: President Biden has released a statement. 

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 – in the early morning hours of August 31st, Kabul time – with no further loss of American lives. The past 17 days have seen our troops execute the largest airlift in US history, evacuating over 120,000 US citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies of the United States. They have done it with unmatched courage, professionalism, and resolve. Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended. 

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Tomorrow afternoon, I will address the American people on my decision not to extend our presence in Afghanistan beyond 8/31. For now, I will report that it was the unanimous recommendation of the Joint Chiefs and of all of our commanders on the ground to end our airlift mission as planned. Their view was that ending our military mission was the best way to protect the lives of our troops, and secure the prospects of civilian departures for those who want to leave Afghanistan in the weeks and months ahead.

I have asked the Secretary of State to lead the continued coordination with our international partners to ensure safe passage for any Americans, Afghan partners, and foreign nationals who want 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. The Taliban has made commitments on safe passage and the world will hold them to their commitments. It will include ongoing diplomacy in Afghanistan and coordination with partners in the region to reopen the airport allowing for continued departure for those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

For now, I urge all Americans to join me in grateful prayer tonight for three things. First, for our troops and diplomats who carried out this mission of mercy in Kabul and at tremendous risk with such unparalleled results: an airlift that evacuated tens of thousands more people than any imagined possible. Second, to the network of volunteers and veterans who helped identify those needing evacuation, guide them to the airport, and provide support along the way. And third, to everyone who is now – and who will – welcome our Afghan allies to their new homes around the world, and in the United States.

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Finally, I want to end with a moment of gratitude for the sacrifice of the 13 service members in Afghanistan who gave their lives last week to save tens of thousands: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.

***Original post***

The last U.S. military planes at the airport in Kabul have officially left Afghanistan and U.S. officials are declaring America's longest war is over. All military personnel and State Department personnel have been evacuated. 

"I'm here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan," CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth McKenzie said during a briefing at the Pentagon Monday afternoon. "The end of the nearly 20-year mission that began in Afghanistan shortly after September 11, 2001."

"We did not get everybody out who we wanted to get out," he continued. 

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Hundreds of Americans and countless Afghan allies remain stranded in the country. The White House, State Department and Pentagon have confirmed the U.S. will have no diplomatic presence on the ground in Afghanistan moving forward. U.S. officials will rely on the Taliban to facilitate further evacuations. 

“I think you heard Secretary Blinken talk about this that for Americans uh and other individuals that want to be able to leave Afghanistan after our withdrawal is complete, that uh the state department  is going to continue to work across many different levers to facilitate that transportation. And as I say, as I said earlier, right now we do not anticipate a military role in that effort," Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Monday. 

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