US Announces "End of Afghanistan Withdrawal Operation"... Taliban Celebrate "Writing New History" (Summary)

US Department of Defense "Cannot Bring Everyone"
Taliban "Victory in Jihad After 20 Years"
After Spending $1 Trillion Over 20 Years, Taliban Back on Roads...Calls for Accountability Grow

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The U.S. Department of Defense announced that the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan has been completed, including the evacuation of civilians, officially ending the Afghan War, the longest U.S. war that lasted 20 years since the September 11 attacks in 2001. The Taliban, having fully taken control of the entire country up to Kabul Airport, celebrated their victory, claiming they won the war. With the Afghan War ending in the Taliban's reestablishment of power after massive expenditures and the sacrifice of over 2,400 U.S. soldiers, domestic and international criticism of the Joe Biden administration is expected to intensify.

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 concluded. The last C-17 transport plane took off from Hamid Karzai International Airport."

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

Taliban: "20 Years of Jihad Ends in Victory"... Celebrations Erupt Nationwide

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Taliban reportedly celebrated their victory in the 20-year-long war against the United States. According to Al Jazeera, Anas Haqqani, leader of the Haqqani Network under the Taliban responsible for security in Kabul, tweeted, "We have made new history," adding, "The 20-year occupation of Afghanistan by the U.S. and NATO has ended. The 20 years of jihad have ended in victory," expressing jubilation.

According to the Associated Press, immediately after the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces, the Taliban took control of Kabul Airport, and Taliban fighters fired celebratory gunshots into the air at various locations. The Taliban declared full independence of Afghanistan and stated they are controlling the entire country.

Over 2,400 U.S. Troops Lost, $1 Trillion Spent, Yet Taliban Returns... Calls for Biden Administration Accountability Grow

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The Biden administration is facing mounting domestic and international criticism over the failed withdrawal operation. According to the U.S. State Department, approximately 300 U.S. nationals remain in Afghanistan, with about 250 hoping to return to the U.S., but evacuation efforts failed to bring them out. Commander McKenzie also acknowledged the failure of the withdrawal operation, stating, "We could not bring everyone who wanted to leave Afghanistan. Even if we had stayed 10 more days, we would not have been able to evacuate everyone."

The Afghan War resulted in the deaths of 2,461 U.S. soldiers over 20 years, along with 1,144 NATO allied soldiers and an estimated total of 170,000 casualties including Afghan government forces and Taliban insurgents. It is estimated that over $1 trillion (approximately 1,165 trillion KRW) was spent. However, despite the massive human losses and financial investment, the war ended with the Taliban's return to power, intensifying criticism and calls for accountability directed at the Biden administration.

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