US Announces "Completion of Afghanistan Withdrawal"... Declares End of War After 20 Years (Update)

"Last Transport Plane Takes Off from Kabul Airport"
"End of War Continuing Since 9/11 Terror Attacks"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Defense has declared that the withdrawal operation of U.S. military personnel and civilians from Afghanistan has been fully completed, marking the official end of the Afghanistan war after 20 years since the 9/11 attacks.

On the 30th (local time), General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command, stated at a press conference held at the U.S. Department of Defense, "The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has been completed," adding, "The mission to evacuate U.S. nationals, third-country nationals, and vulnerable groups within Afghanistan has also ended. The last C-17 transport aircraft has taken off from Hamid Karzai International Airport."

He continued, "This withdrawal signifies the conclusion of a 20-year mission that began immediately after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan," emphasizing, "Over the past 20 years, 2,461 U.S. military personnel have died and more than 20,000 have been wounded. Last week, 13 soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing by IS Khorasan (IS-K). We remember their heroic achievements and honor their sacrifices."

However, he explained that the evacuation of civilians wishing to escape Afghanistan will continue. Commander McKenzie added, "While the military evacuation is complete, diplomatic efforts to ensure the evacuation of additional U.S. citizens and Afghans seeking to escape will continue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.