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Top former US generals say Afghanistan evacuation order came too late

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The top two generals who oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 said Tuesday that the chaotic evacuation, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 Afghans and 13 US service members, was ordered too late.

Retired Generals Mark Milley and Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie blamed delayed decision-making by the State Department for the rushed and violent airlift out of Kabul’s airport as the Islamic Emirate took over the country.

“The fundamental mistake, fundamental flaw was the timing of the State Department’s call of the [noncombatant evacuation operation], I think that was too slow and too late,” said Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Stripes reported.

“There’s a lot of other mistakes that are made along the way … but I think that was key, I think that was fundamental.”

The former military leaders shared their assessments with the House Foreign Relations Committee as Republicans continued their scrutiny of the drawdown of U.S. forces at the end of a 20-year war in Afghanistan.

“I will not rest until I get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the committee chairman. “The American people deserve answers, and I intend to deliver.”

Milley and McKenzie offered testimony that largely echoed previous appearances they made before Congress while still in uniform.

They reiterated that they had opposed the full removal of U.S. troops but said the outcome of the withdrawal, which was marked by scenes of desperate Afghans clinging to departing planes, was ultimately the culmination of many decisions over many years of war, reported Stripes.

The US military recently completed an additional review of the bombing that took place outside the US military base in Kabul during the evacuation. The military interviewed troops who were not questioned during the original Abbey Gate investigation.

The military withdrawal was completed by July 12, 2021, according to McKenzie, while the State Department order to evacuate all American citizens, Afghan allies and others did not come until Aug. 14, 2021. The Afghan government’s senior leadership fled the country the next day.

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Iran allegedly relocates aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan amid US strike fears: CBS Reports

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News.

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Iran is reported to have moved several military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly to safeguard them from potential US airstrikes, according to CBS News citing unnamed informed sources.

The report claimed that multiple Iranian military aircraft were spotted at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane. Additionally, CBS News said Iran’s Mahan Air had transferred part of its civilian fleet to Kabul before the escalation of regional tensions, with aircraft later moved to Herat Airport amid clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

However, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News. Pakistani officials also rejected claims that Iranian military planes were stationed at their airbases, describing the reports as inaccurate.

The situation underscores heightened regional security concerns as tensions continue to rise over potential US military action.

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UN warns hunger crisis in Afghanistan deepening, women and children most affected

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

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The United Nations has issued a stark warning that hunger and food insecurity are worsening in Afghanistan, with women and children facing the most severe consequences amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.

According to UN agencies, Afghanistan continues to struggle with overlapping crises, including economic collapse, widespread unemployment, and climate-related shocks that have devastated livelihoods across the country. Rising regional tensions have also driven up food prices, putting additional pressure on vulnerable households.

“The little food we can afford we give to our children, but that is not enough,” said Raqiba Ahmadi, a resident of Faizabad city in northeastern Afghanistan. She added that her youngest daughter is recovering from malnutrition while her husband remains unemployed.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

Millions of Afghans remain at risk of severe hunger, prompting humanitarian organizations to call for sustained international support to prevent the situation from worsening further.

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Afghan powerlifting team wins six medals at World Cup series in Belarus

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

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The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan says Afghan powerlifting athletes secured six medals at the “Powerlifting World Cup Series 2026” held in Belarus.

According to the directorate, Afghan athletes won four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal during the international competition.

Fawad Sherin Sokhan, Jabar Sherin Sokhan, Noor Ahmad Sakhi Zada, and Mirwais Rafi Zada each claimed gold medals, while Rohullah Khairandesh won silver and Hamidullah Hakimi earned bronze for Afghanistan.

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

The competition began on May 6 and concluded on May 10 in Belarus, showcasing strong performances from Afghan athletes on the international stage.

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