Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Bagram Airfield - August 2, 2021

On August 2, 2021, the United States announced the completion of its troop withdrawal from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, marking a pivotal moment in the conclusion of the U.S. military presence in the country. This event was a significant step in the broader context of ending America’s longest war, which began nearly two decades earlier in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Background

• Bagram Airfield: Located about 40 miles north of Kabul, Bagram Airfield was the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan. It served as a central hub for military operations and logistics throughout the conflict.
• U.S. Involvement in Afghanistan: The U.S. military presence in Afghanistan began in October 2001 with Operation Enduring Freedom, aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power.
• Peace Process: The withdrawal was part of a broader peace process initiated by the U.S.-Taliban agreement signed in February 2020 under the Trump administration, which set a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Key Events Leading Up to the Withdrawal

• February 2020 Agreement: The U.S. and the Taliban signed a deal that outlined the withdrawal of U.S. troops in exchange for Taliban guarantees to prevent terrorism and engage in peace talks with the Afghan government.
• Biden Administration’s Decision: In April 2021, President Joe Biden announced that all U.S. troops would be withdrawn by September 11, 2021, later accelerated to August 31, 2021.

The Withdrawal

• Completion of Withdrawal: The departure from Bagram Airfield was a symbolic and strategic milestone, effectively ending the U.S. military’s operational role in Afghanistan.
• Transfer of Control: Control of the airfield was handed over to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

Aftermath and Consequences

• Taliban Offensive: Following the U.S. withdrawal, the Taliban launched a rapid offensive, capturing key cities and eventually taking control of Kabul on August 15, 2021.
• Evacuation Efforts: The fall of Kabul prompted a massive evacuation effort by the U.S. and its allies to airlift citizens and vulnerable Afghans out of the country.
• Impact on Afghanistan: The withdrawal and subsequent Taliban takeover raised concerns about human rights, especially for women and minorities, and the stability of the region.

Broader Historical Significance

• End of a Long Conflict: The withdrawal marked the end of a 20-year military engagement, prompting reflection on the costs and outcomes of the war.
• U.S. Foreign Policy: It signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy focus, with implications for future military engagements and international relations.

The completion of the U.S. withdrawal from Bagram Airfield was a defining moment in the history of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, encapsulating the complexities and challenges of the conflict and its enduring impact on both Afghanistan and the international community.