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Biden declares end of Afghanistan mission, defending exit as Taliban gain

An Afghan National Army soldier stands guard at a checkpoint near Bagram Air Base in Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 2, the day the last American troops vacated it. | REUTERS

Bloomberg

Jul 9, 2021

U.S. President Joe Biden has said the American military mission in Afghanistan will conclude by Aug. 31, arguing that the U.S. achieved its goals and should not seek to rebuild the nation.

"I want to be clear: the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan continues through the end of August,” Biden said in a speech at the White House on Thursday. He added that the U.S. would continue "to speak out for the rights of women and girls” even as the Taliban makes quick gains amid the U.S. drawdown.

Biden reflected on America’s longest war, which will end just shy of its 20-year anniversary after the deaths of 2,448 U.S. service members and nearly 21,000 wounded.

Biden declares end of Afghanistan mission, defending exit as Taliban gain

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