Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley listens during a briefing with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, about the end of the war in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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UPDATED 12:51 PM PT – Thursday, September 2, 2021
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley announced the end to the war in Afghanistan. Austin commended those who served in the the region following the completion of the withdrawal.
On Wednesday, the defense secretary said his thoughts have been with the brave Americans who stood up to serve after the September 11 attacks and with those whose lives were lost in the war. He also urged Americans to thank our service members who took part in evacuation efforts for their courage and compassion, while adding he’s incredibly proud of them.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of September 11th, we’ll be remembering and sharing the stories of those who survived the attack on the Pentagon and still work here today. Visit our spotlight to learn their stories. #WeRemember911 https://t.co/Vb6Fe5ErHY pic.twitter.com/I1n0aNn07H
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) September 1, 2021
Austin affirmed the Pentagon will seek to learn lessons from the war, but stressed now is the time to show gratitude. He was joined by Gen. Milley who said that that moving forward, a future dealing with the Taliban will be an uncertain one and that he isn’t sure anything has changed from the last time they controlled Afghanistan.
“We don’t know what the future of the Taliban is, but I can tell you from personal experience that this is a ruthless group from the past,” stated the the Joint Chiefs General. “And whether or not they change remains to be seen.”
Austin concluded his remarks by saying he hopes Americans will look back on the war with thoughtfulness and respect.
MORE NEWS: House GOP Demands White House Transparency Following Afghanistan Withdrawal
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