US President Joe Biden marked the second anniversary of the American forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan by reiterating the nation’s ongoing commitment to the Afghan people. Biden’s statement acknowledged the conclusion of nearly two decades of warfare in Afghanistan, hailing it as the longest conflict in American history.
“We take a moment to honor the unwavering dedication of successive generations of courageous men and women who, throughout the conflict, consistently placed the safety and security of their fellow Americans above their own,” Biden remarked. He paid tribute to the 2,461 US service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and the 20,744 comrades-in-arms who sustained injuries in the line of duty.
Biden expressed lasting gratitude for the collaboration among military personnel, diplomats, intelligence experts, and development specialists who not only propelled the United States’ Afghan mission over two decades, but also navigated the withdrawal process with the same fortitude and valor that characterized US service in the region.
“Collectively, they orchestrated the evacuation of an estimated 120,000 individuals in a monumental airlift operation,” Biden noted.
Biden asserted that the ability to address terrorist threats and adversaries does not necessitate a permanent troop presence on the ground in hazardous territories.
“Proudly, our nation has embraced over 117,000 Afghan newcomers,” Biden proclaimed, highlighting a sense of national unity in extending hospitality. The President also underscored the United States’ position as the leading single contributor of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Biden’s commitment to solidarity with Afghanistan remained resolute, as he acknowledged the contributions of Afghan allies to the United States over the span of two decades. He further reaffirmed his support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, urging the US Congress to pass the legislation and thereby establish a pathway to permanent legal status for Afghan associates.
On August 31, 2021, the last American soldier left Afghanistan after nearly two decades of presence in the South Asian nation.
