US Troops Exit: Last U.S. Troops Leave Afghanistan After Nearly 20 Years

The last United States soldier flew out of Kabul airport a minute before midnight on August 31. It was a deadline set by American President Joe Biden. Thus ending America’s longest nearly 20-year-old war on Monday. Chris Donahue, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, was the last American soldier to step off Afghan soil. They left in a C-17 Globemaster III from Kabul airport.

“The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division boards on US Air Force C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the US mission in Kabul,” the department of defence wrote on Twitter while sharing a picture of the soldier.

The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021

The withdrawal came after a frantic mission to evacuate tens of thousands of Americans and Afghans who had helped the US-led war effort.

US General Kenneth McKenzie told reporters, “I’m here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate American citizens.”

The US has suspended its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. They have now shifted its diplomatic operations to Qatar. America’s top diplomat also expressed commitment to helping every American who wants to leave Afghanistan.

Celebratory gunfire rang out in Kabul in the early hours of Tuesday as the last American soldier left the country.

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