In a significant development, US President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly examining the actions of top military officials involved in the turbulent 2021 withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, possibly seeking court martials for those deemed responsible for mishandling the operation. According to NBC News, discussions have emerged regarding forming a commission to assess the chaotic exit, focusing on potential charges, including treason, against military leaders.
The U.S. withdrawal, concluding a 20-year military presence, faced severe criticism under the Biden administration for its rapid execution and disorganized evacuation at Kabul’s airport. Thousands of desperate civilians attempted to flee amid the Taliban’s swift takeover, sparking global concern and bipartisan scrutiny. Republican voices have accused the Biden administration of an ill-prepared withdrawal, contributing to the collapse of the Afghan government.
The investigation, reportedly led by former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Matt Flynn, seeks to understand the decisions made by top figures like General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Kenneth McKenzie, ex-head of U.S. Central Command. Both previously testified to Congressional hearings, citing flaws in the withdrawal but partially attributing the challenges to the 2020 Doha Agreement negotiated by the Trump administration, which they said weakened Afghan military morale.
Milley argued that maintaining a minimal U.S. force could have delayed the rapid Taliban takeover, and both generals emphasized a delayed State Department evacuation order worsened the crisis. This investigation could reshape military accountability norms and impact future U.S. military operations amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
