Last US troops depart Afghanistan, ending 20-year war

By Nathan Morley

It was described as America’s longest war – now, though, US troops have left Afghanistan.

Just before 8:30pm on Monday, the last contingent of American soldiers left Kabul airport.

General Frank MacKenzie, the top US military commander in the region, said the final flights did not include the dozens of Americans who had not been able to get to the airport.

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Diplomatic chapter

As the Americans left, the Taliban celebrated with a flurry of gunfire into the skies over Kabul.

At the same time, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said a new chapter of engagement on Afghanistan has begun in which American would lead with its diplomacy.

American officials said that together with allies, they managed to evacuate some 123,000 people before the deadline.

However, many foreign citizens remain in Afghanistan, including hundreds of British nationals and around 200 Americans.