The last U.S. military flight left Kabul’s international airport, marking an end to nearly 20 years of occupation in Afghanistan.

Cable news networks covered the announcement by Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the chairman of the U.S. Central Command, that the last military plane left the country, leaving control of the airport in the hands of the Taliban. It also marked the end of a tumultuous evacuation, triggered by the quick collapse of the U.S.-supported Afghan government and then the attacks by terrorists.

An ISIS-K attack last week killed 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans outside the airport gates, where a flood of people had sought to gain passage on flights to flee the country.

In news coverage, a number of reporters noted that it was left to McKenzie to make the announcement of the conclusion of the U.S. occupation, not President Joe Biden, who has been adamant that it was time for the U.S. to withdraw.

The announcement was made by McKenzie after midnight in Kabul, as the deadline for withdrawal was on Aug. 31.

Watch on Deadline

The State Department said on Sunday that about 250 Americans remained who wanted to leave the country. It’s still unclear how they will get out of the country, as McKenzie indicated that the State Department would be in charge of securing their passage. There also are estimated to be tens of thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S., eligible for special visas, who were not evacuated but still wish to leave.

At a press conference, Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin asked McKenzie what his thought were at the end of America’s longest war, given that the country has returned to Taliban control. McKenzie said that he was “conflicted,” but said that he would have time for further reflection in the coming days.

“Four presidents, 20 years. Both Obama and Trump promised to end this war. Now President Biden has done it. It may not have been a pretty exit, but it is a very significant moment for the United States,” CNN’s Jake Tapper said after McKenzie’s announcement.

More to come.

 

 

Read More About:

Source: Read Full Article