Pete Hegseth Launches Investigation Into Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal

THE NEWS

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he has already selected investigators to examine the chaotic 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, Hegseth emphasized the need for a comprehensive fact-finding mission to understand who made critical decisions, why they were made, and how the withdrawal devolved into turmoil.

The catastrophic exit included a deadly suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and left hundreds of Americans stranded. Hegseth pledged that, once the investigative team establishes a clear chain of events, “accountability will be coming.”

TIMELINE

• July 2021: The Biden administration launches the withdrawal of U.S. troops and embassy personnel from Afghanistan.

• August 2021:Chaotic evacuations at Kabul International Airport’s Abbey Gate lead to a suicide bombing that kills 13 U.S. service members.Hundreds of American citizens remain stranded despite claims of the “largest withdrawal in history.”A U.S. military drone strike intended to prevent another terror attack accidentally kills an Afghan aid worker and his family; Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley initially labels it a “righteous strike.”

• Aftermath:No high-ranking officials are dismissed for the failed evacuation.Marine Col. Stuart Scheller, who publicly demanded accountability, is the only service member to lose his career.Former President Donald Trump later appoints Scheller as senior adviser to the Defense Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness.

• Thursday: Defense Secretary Hegseth tells Breitbart News that the Pentagon will investigate the Afghanistan withdrawal to establish “real fact chains” and hold those responsible to account.

REACTIONS

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth:

Declares a full investigation is underway, led by carefully selected investigators.

Stresses that establishing factual timelines and understanding the decision-making process is paramount to restoring trust.

Vows that “accountability will be coming,” implying potential disciplinary actions for officials who mishandled the withdrawal.

Gen. Mark Milley (Former Joint Chiefs Chairman):

Publicly defended the drone strike at the time as a “righteous strike.” Subsequent evidence revealed it killed civilians rather than a terrorist threat.

Marine Col. Stuart Scheller:

Went viral after demanding accountability from military leaders; ultimately lost his career.

Recently appointed by President Donald Trump as a senior adviser within the Defense Department.

WHAT’S NEXT

With the investigative team already identified, Hegseth has signaled that the Pentagon will systematically review all decisions and events related to the withdrawal.

This process could lead to official reports, public hearings, or further action in Congress, depending on the findings.