Biden Defends Withdrawal From Afghanistan as Taliban Makes Gains
- U.S. handed over biggest air base near Kabul last week
- Pentagon has said withdrawal could be complete by late August
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President Joe Biden said the American military mission in Afghanistan will conclude by Aug. 31, arguing that the U.S. achieved its goals and should not seek to rebuild the nation.
“I want to be clear: the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan continues through the end of August,” Biden said in a speech at the White House on Thursday. He said the U.S. would continue “to speak out for the rights of women and girls” even as the Taliban makes quick gains amid the American drawdown.