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Pentagon Launches Special Review of 2021 Afghanistan Withdrawal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has convened a panel led by Sean Parnell to examine the chaotic withdrawal and ensure accountability.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends along with President Donald Trump a business roundtable, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.
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Overview

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a comprehensive review of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, following a three-month internal Pentagon investigation.
  • The review, led by Sean Parnell, will analyze decision-making, previous investigations, and the events leading to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in the Abbey Gate bombing.
  • The panel will include figures such as Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who was critical of the withdrawal, and Jerry Dunleavy, an investigator in prior congressional probes.
  • The review aims to restore public trust and accountability by thoroughly examining leadership decisions, interagency coordination, and operational failures during the withdrawal.
  • This marks the latest effort to address bipartisan concerns over the chaotic evacuation, the Taliban's rapid takeover, and the loss of U.S. military equipment.