Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 30 Aug 2021, 04:50 pm Print
Representative Image: Wikipedia Creative Commons
Kabul/JEN: With the last US military flight carrying troops leaving the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul, the United States has completed the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan, ending a two-decade-long war with the Islamist Taliban finally in control, reports said.
The last three US military evacuation flights departed HKIA just ahead of the August 31 deadline. The last one, a C-17 Globemaster transport plane, took off from the Kabul airport at 3:29 pm. East Coast Time, Russia Today (RT) reported quoting General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
RT correspondent on ground, Murad Gazdiev, reported that Taliban fighters had started celebrating after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan was officially completed.
Celebratory Gunfire | The Taliban mark withdrawal of US troops pic.twitter.com/yO3yu9WMqm
— RT (@RT_com) August 30, 2021
Al Jazeera also reported that celebratory gunfire was heard across Kabul after the final US flight lifted off from HKIA.
#Taliban fighters enter a hangar in #Kabul Airport and examine #chinook helicopters after #US leaves #Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/flJx0cLf0p
— Nabih (@nabihbulos) August 30, 2021
U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad in a tweet said: "Our war in Afghanistan is over. Our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen served with distinction and sacrifice to the very end. They have our enduring gratitude and respect."
2/5 With the departure of our military & those of the many partners who stood w/ us, Afghans face a moment of decision & opportunity. Their country's future is in their hands. They will choose their path in full sovereignty. This is the chance to bring their war to an end as well
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) August 30, 2021
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