Generals Testify on Biden's Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal; ISIS Claims Responsibility for Deadly Attack

Military leaders testified before Congress, criticizing President Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, while ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed six people in Bamiyan.

During a House hearing, three four-star generals testified about the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, criticizing President Biden's decision to ignore their advice and the subsequent mishandling of the operation.

General Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command at the time of the withdrawal, expressed deep frustration that Biden had dismissed his recommendation to maintain a troop presence in Afghanistan. He stated, "I believe that our mission set in Afghanistan, given the enemy we were facing and given our level of effort, required a larger force."

General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, echoed this sentiment, saying that a "more deliberate approach" to the withdrawal would have been preferable. He added, "In my judgment, the assessment was that the Afghan government and military would be able to hold on for a period of time if we continued to provide them resources."

General Richard Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, also testified that his advice to maintain a counterterrorism force in Afghanistan was rejected. He emphasized that the withdrawal had created a vacuum that terrorist groups like ISIS could exploit.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for a shooting attack in central Afghanistan last week that killed three Spaniards and three Afghans. The attack occurred in Bamiyan province, a significant tourist area, and seven suspects have been arrested.

According to ISIS, the attack targeted a bus carrying tourists and their guides in response to directives "to target citizens of the European Union wherever they are found." The attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Afghanistan.

The Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, is seeking to increase tourism revenue. However, the country continues to face challenges related to security and stability.

In a separate incident, a hand grenade explosion in the southern city of Kandahar on Monday killed at least one civilian and wounded three. Police are investigating the blast, but no group has yet claimed responsibility.

These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's efforts to stabilize the country. The testimony of the generals and the deadly attack by ISIS raise questions about the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal and its impact on future counterterrorism efforts.