Former and current senior US military officials involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal might face serious consequences. The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly working on a plan to investigate the 2021 exit from Afghanistan. This includes creating a list of military leaders directly responsible for the chaotic pullout and examining whether they should be held accountable, including facing charges such as treason.
Trump’s team is considering forming a special commission to look into the controversial withdrawal. The focus would be on the decision-making process behind the pullout and how it was carried out. They are particularly interested in whether any military figures were at fault for the disorderly exit and whether they should be investigated or even court-martialed.
A source familiar with the plans told NBC News that the team is taking the issue very seriously. Matt Flynn, a former US official who worked on counternarcotics and global threats, is reportedly helping to lead the effort.
The US military’s presence in Afghanistan lasted for 20 years, starting in 2001. The withdrawal began in 2021 under President Joe Biden. However, the exit quickly turned into a chaotic scene, as many feared the Taliban would take control faster than predicted. Biden had stated that the Taliban’s takeover was not certain, but just weeks later, the fall of Kabul led to confusion and panic.
Republican lawmakers have heavily criticized the withdrawal, blaming the Biden administration for its failure to plan and execute it properly. The chaos reached its peak in Kabul, where people rushed to the airport in an attempt to escape the advancing Taliban. The scene was chaotic, with thousands of Afghans and foreigners desperately trying to get on planes. At least five people died during this desperate evacuation.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country at the same time, joining the crowd of people trying to escape. The event marked a painful chapter in America’s history, especially as Biden was trying to rebuild the country’s global reputation after the divisive presidency of Donald Trump.
