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yesterday

Pentagon Launches Special Review Panel on Afghanistan Withdrawal Failures

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders comprehensive investigation into the 2021 evacuation to reassess prior findings 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 directed Sean Parnell to lead a Special Review Panel examining the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and its decision-making processes.
  • The review follows a three-month internal Pentagon investigation and aims to analyze previous inquiries, interview witnesses, and provide transparency to the public.
  • The chaotic withdrawal resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, along with the loss of $7 billion in military equipment.
  • Panel members include Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, known for his criticism of military leadership during the withdrawal, and Jerry Dunleavy, an investigator in prior congressional probes.
  • The review seeks to restore public trust by addressing operational failures and identifying accountability within the chain of command.