Last American Soldier to Leave Afghanistan Expected to Step Down This Summer

Christopher Donahue holds the distinction of being the last American soldier to depart Afghanistan following the 2021 events. He currently leads the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa while also overseeing NATO ground forces in the region. Expectations point to his stepping down from these roles during the summer months ahead.

This development has been characterized as abrupt. It connects to a series of personnel shifts within the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated these changes. The shifts could involve targeting officials who participated in the withdrawal operations from Afghanistan in 2021.

Reports from The Atlantic draw on information from two informed sources. These sources indicate that Donahue plans to make an announcement regarding his departure in the near future. The move might represent one element in a larger process aimed at removing certain officials tied to the withdrawal.

Earlier in May, the U.S. Secretary of Defense made an announcement regarding a new review. This review examines the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan that occurred under the Biden administration.

On 15 August 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul. Their arrival resulted in the collapse of the former Afghan government. The U.S. evacuation operations then concluded on 31 August 2021.