The US Department of Defense has initiated a comprehensive review of the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021.

Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, has issued an order to form a special committee to conduct a thorough assessment of the process.

The goal of this review is to identify shortcomings, mistakes, and clarify the responsibilities of senior military officials in the disorganized withdrawal—a withdrawal that was accompanied by a deadly explosion at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate, resulting in the deaths of 13 US soldiers and over 170 Afghan civilians.

Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, stated: “On August 26, 2021, President Biden's administration led a chaotic withdrawal of US military and embassy officials from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey gate." 

Meanwhile, several political analysts in Afghanistan said the withdrawal process was unplanned and hasty, and now requires a transparent and impartial review.

Wais Naseri, a political analyst, said: “Unfortunately, these reviews have begun too late, while the primary responsibility for the irresponsible and rushed US withdrawal from Afghanistan lies with the former President Trump’s administration.”

Hamidullah Hotak, another political analyst, said: “When the US came in the name of development, freedom, and support for the Afghan government, why did it leave the country irresponsibly and in such a manner? This is a question not only Afghans but also the American people are now seeking answers to.”

Gul Mohammaduddin Mohammadi, a political analyst, said: “The withdrawal of US forces left Afghanistan to fend for itself. Many of their equipment is still here, causing fear among the people. Many believed they could no longer live here.”

On Tuesday, the US Secretary of Defense stated in an interview with Fox News that those responsible for this process must be held accountable.