Biden announces full US military withdrawal from Afghanistan ending America longest war

President Biden announces that all US military forces will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, overriding military advice to maintain a residual force of at least 2,500 troops. Biden inherits Trump's Doha Agreement committing the US to leave by May 1, 2021. He extends the deadline but sets no conditions for withdrawal. General Kenneth McKenzie receives withdrawal orders on April 11. Military commanders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley, had privately advised that a full withdrawal risked Afghan government collapse. Critics note the decision leaves no evacuation plan for Afghan allies and partners, setting the stage for the chaotic August 2021 collapse of Kabul.