Veterans demand accountability for chaos during Afghanistan withdrawal
- On the four-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal, veterans reflect on the chaotic evacuation efforts and the Abbey Gate bombing.
- Veterans like Dennis Price and Mark Geist took significant actions to rescue civilians during the Taliban takeover.
- There is a growing demand for accountability from the U.S. government regarding its actions during the withdrawal.
In the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, many veterans have voiced their concerns and experiences regarding the chaotic situation surrounding the evacuation. The Abbey Gate bombing, which took place during this chaotic finale, resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members, marking a tragic moment in the timeline of the withdrawal. Dennis Price, a special operations forces veteran, founded 'Heroes for Humanity' to aid civilians trapped in Taliban-controlled areas. Price described how he, along with others, worked tirelessly to rescue families amidst the chaos, showcasing the failures of government operations at the time. The withdrawal highlighted significant operational mismanagement, as veterans like Price and retired Marine Mark 'Oz' Geist stepped in to perform humanitarian missions. Geist, who previously survived the 2012 Benghazi attack, contributed to a successful operation that extracted 100 Americans and legal noncitizens from Afghanistan. These efforts underscored the noble intentions of these veterans in stark contrast to the inadequacies of the governmental response. As the four-year anniversary of the withdrawal approaches, these veterans remind the public of the sacrifices made and the failures they perceived from the U.S. leadership during this tumultuous period. Price's commitment, along with others, emphasizes the crucial need for accountability and remembrance, as many feel the administration abandoned its allies. The operations showcased a mix of bravery and desperation, standing against what was viewed as a betrayal by those left behind. Veterans like Cory Mills also voiced their grievances by criticizing the Pentagon's leadership and the missed intelligence leading up to the withdrawal. Mills, recalling his own experiences, echoed the sentiments of many veterans who now push for more substantial investigations into the events that transpired at Abbey Gate, affirming that justice and accountability are essential for those who lost their lives.