Overview

• The review, led by Afghanistan veteran Sean Parnell, will analyze decision-making, sources, and findings from prior investigations into the withdrawal.
• The 2021 operation resulted in 13 U.S. service member and 170 civilian deaths during a suicide bombing at Kabul's Abbey Gate, as well as the Taliban seizing $7 billion in U.S. military equipment.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need to restore trust with the public and military personnel by uncovering the full truth and ensuring accountability.
• The panel includes retired Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, known for his criticism of the withdrawal, and investigative journalist Jerry Dunleavy, who contributed to a prior congressional inquiry.
• This effort follows earlier reviews that concluded the Abbey Gate bombing was not preventable but highlighted intelligence and coordination failures during the withdrawal.