Huge B-52 bombers and aircraft carrier being sent to Middle East in warning to the Taliban
HUGE B-52 bombers and aircraft carrier are being sent to the Middle East as a warning to the Taliban.
The Pentagon has deployed the aerial bombers in the region to support the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, spokesman John Kirby said on Friday.
The move comes despite Gen. McKenzie joining senior generals to advise 's administration against a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan.
This is due to fears that Kabul's military would collapse against the Taliban upon the removal of foreign troops.
The Taliban has about 60,000 fighters, according to latest figures.
AMERICA's operations in Afghanistan - launched after the 9/11 attacks - have come at great cost.
19: Years since war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban started in October 2001.
2,305: Number of US personnel who have died in Afghanistan since 2001.
20,320: Number of US personnel wounded in action.
110,000: Total number of US troops in Afghanistan at the height of deployment in 2011.
$778bn: Total US military expenditure in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2019. Another $44bn has gone on reconstruction projects.
Biden announced in mid-April: "It is time to end America’s longest war. It is time for American troops to come home."
"The United States will begin our final withdrawal on May 1 of this year. We will do it responsibly, deliberately, and safely."
Biden said the Taliban should know that the US will "defend our allies and partners with all the tools at our disposal," however.
The President added: "We went to Afghanistan because of a horrific attack that happened 20 years ago.
"That cannot explain why we should remain there in 2021."
Biden said that the US must "focus on the challenge that are in front of us," as he highlighted tensions with China, "cyber threats" in 2021, and the need to strengthen global health care in light of the Covid pandemic.
However, to remove troops quickly.
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The former president said the withdrawal should be done "earlier" than September 11, as he said the day should remain one of "reflection and remembrance."
"Getting out of Afghanistan is a wonderful and positive thing to do," he noted.