Top US Generals Blame Biden Administration for Chaotic Kabul Evacuation

In a striking disclosure to lawmakers, two top US generals have openly criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the Afghanistan evacuation in August 2021, marking a rare public display of discord between military leadership and the administration. The testimony revealed that the military had recommended maintaining a minimum force of 2,500 service members in Afghanistan to ensure stability, a suggestion that was not heeded, leading to a hasty and chaotic withdrawal as the Taliban seized control.

Gen. Mark Milley, the former Joint Chiefs Chairman, and retired Gen. Frank McKenzie of the US Central Command voiced their concerns during a session with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. They highlighted a significant delay by the State Department in initiating the evacuation of US personnel, which they believe contributed to the disorder witnessed during the final days in Kabul. Despite pressing for evacuation plans months prior, their calls went unheeded until it was too late.

The generals' accounts contrast sharply with an internal White House review which placed constraints on President Joe Biden's decisions due to prior withdrawal agreements negotiated by former President Donald Trump. This review also shifted blame towards the military, asserting that commanders had assured they possessed adequate resources for the evacuation. However, the tragic outcome saw thirteen US service members lose their lives to a suicide bomber at Kabul's Abbey Gate amidst desperate attempts by thousands to flee the Taliban's advance.

Despite these challenges, over 130,000 civilians were successfully evacuated before the final US military aircraft departed. The generals argue that this chaotic end was directly linked to the State Department's delayed action in calling for an evacuation. Gen. Milley emphasized that while the military was prepared and mobilized rapidly once directed on August 14, this decision came significantly late.

Gen. McKenzie further pointed out that forces were available in the region as early as July 9 but were unable to act due to the lack of initiation from the State Department. He firmly believes that the dire situation in mid and late August was a direct result of this procrastination.

At the heart of their advisories was a plea to President Biden to maintain a residual force in Afghanistan, which they argued could have provided crucial support to Afghan special forces and retained control over strategic locations like Bagram Air Base. Unfortunately, this advice was not followed, leading to rapid Taliban control over Afghanistan and significant repercussions for its population, particularly concerning women's and girls' rights.

The White House's stance remains that the chaotic withdrawal was influenced by agreements made by President Trump and asserts that military officials confirmed having sufficient resources to manage threats at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the evacuation. This narrative continues to be scrutinized as discussions about the withdrawal's handling persist.