this is bbc news. i'm christian fraser. our top stories: 0h, oh, my gosh! yo! hurricane ida comes ashore in louisiana as one of the most powerful storms on record. 1 million people in new orleans are without power, as a widescale search and rescue operation begins. after 20 years in afghanistan, the american operation will wind down in the next 2a hours. the pentagon says it is a dangerous moment, as the troops prepare to fly out for the last time. in brazil a gang of heavily armed bank robbers have tied hostages to the top of getaway vehicles, bringing the southern city of aracatuba to a standstill. and in china, the communist party move to protects children's mental health, by limiting their online gaming

to three hours a week. hello and welcome to the programme. it is some storm that reverses the flow of the mississippi river! hurricane ida landed a category 4 hurricane and blew through south—east louisiana with such force that at times they recorded sustained winds of over isomph. today the search and rescue teams were fanning out across the state to assess the scale of the damage. and it is widespread. there have been reports of people climbing into attics to escape the rising waters flood. the rising waters. it's not as bad as katrina, which devestated new orleans 16 years ago — it would appear the levees, barriers and pumps have done theirjob — but still, there are i million people in and around the city without any power,

and they will be for some time. from new orleans here's our correspondent, neda tawfiq. this was the force of hurricane ida's wins. a hospital's roof was lifted off by ease by the gas. low lying areas were overwhelmed by the tidal surge. this footage from a fire station in delacroix, louisiana, captured the rush of water as the night wore on. in new orleans, the entire city went dark as the storm raged outside, the transmission tower toppled into the mississippi river. at this hotel, workers struggled to get their generators running. all across southern louisiana, the painful task of surveying the damage under her ida is under way.

of surveying the damage under her ida is underway. —— of surveying the damage under her ida is under way. —— under hurricane ida. the destruction is immense and the situation for some is desperate. injefferson parish emergency services have received at least 200 rescue call since last night. there, the rising waters and intense winds left communities in tatters. clarence has lived here for 50 years and says this is the worst storm he's lived through. it's terrifying. i mean, we're in the bedroom, it started leaking, and then we come out the bedroom and go into another room — it started leaking in that room. and then finally we came into the living room and the dining room here, this was the only room where it didn't really leak. it leaked, but it didn't leak that bad when the sheet rock fell in. without proper shelter, power or water, he has no choice but to leave. his dilemma now — where to go. hurricane ida strengthened so rapidly that it gave people here very little time to prepare or evacuate. for those who stayed, the night was scary, but seeing the fallout the morning after has been even harder. along the roadways, closed and impassable in many areas, we found this family

walking to find food. the storm's strong winds ripped their trailer apart in the middle of the night. they took shelter at a neighbour's house. ain't got nothing left. house is gone, car's gone... she sobs i'm sorry. emergency crews are focused on rescue operations. the next step recovery will be long and difficult. bbc news, new orleans. let's go, then, to baton rouge north of new orleans and speak the mayor of the city, sharon weston broome. mayor broome. good to have you with us on the programme. you can see there from our reporter's report that there is an enormous destruction. it is not a good picture. what do you say they're in baton rouge?- good picture. what do you say they're in baton rouge? thank you for havin: they're in baton rouge? thank you for having me- _ they're in baton rouge? thank you for having me. indeed, _ they're in baton rouge? thank you for having me. indeed, it- they're in baton rouge? thank you for having me. indeed, it is- for having me. indeed, it is enormous destruction across south of

louisiana. here in baton rouge and in our parish as well we were spared and we are extremely grateful, but we do know that hurricane ida has now moved to the north. baton rouge did experience a major wind event and as a result with almost 170... in inaudible we who are without power. we have 70 roads that are closed, 37 trees that are down... inaudible we are assessing damage to structures. we are assessing damage to structura— we are assessing damage to structures. ., ~ ., , ., ., structures. talk to us about what it means for residents _ structures. talk to us about what it means for residents of _ structures. talk to us about what it means for residents of that - structures. talk to us about what it means for residents of that area i structures. talk to us about what it means for residents of that area to j means for residents of that area to be out of power for weeks. we forget that it be out of power for weeks. we forget thatitis be out of power for weeks. we forget that it is the aftermath when it becomes dangerous for residents. it is not a slight inconvenience to be without electricity. for some it can be a life—threatening situation? absolutely, the absence of power and electricity for some, especially those who are elderly or perhaps

special needs individuals with health conditions or people who need oxygen and we have been working on a system to help those individuals replenish their oxygen. and so, it does have an impact. we do not have electricity and power. it covers a broad spectrum. it causes a broad spectrum of challenges, and so, we are working continuously to be here for our citizens, to be resourceful for our citizens, to be resourceful for them. we have already started making sure that we work on the debris pick—up, which is always an issue. but we have to be very guarded because we do have the power lines out there that are alive, that our lives. ~ ., ., ~ ., our lives. while we are talking to ou, i our lives. while we are talking to you. i wanted — our lives. while we are talking to you, i wanted to _ our lives. while we are talking to you, i wanted to show _ our lives. while we are talking to you, i wanted to show the - our lives. while we are talking to l you, i wanted to show the pictures of hurricane ida to our viewers developing out in the gulf, so in a

very short space of time it has whipped itself up into a category for her again. you see the enormous amount of liquid, is rainwater that it is picking up as it passes over the warm waters of the gulf of mexico. the meteorologists say they are worried about this because of the change we are experiencing is going to be more and more extreme storms like this one. does it cross your mind, as the mayor of baton rouge, that in the years ahead you are going to have to be prepared for more storms like this? i are going to have to be prepared for more storms like this?— more storms like this? i mean, you know, i more storms like this? i mean, you know. i don't— more storms like this? i mean, you know, i don't want _ more storms like this? i mean, you know, i don't want to _ more storms like this? i mean, you know, i don't want to debate - more storms like this? i mean, you. know, i don't want to debate climate change, —— anyone who wants to debate climate change, i will tell you the water issues and the water management issues we now have that i have witnessed first—hand since i have witnessed first—hand since i have been a resident of baton rouge, louisiana, have certainly increased and i do a tribute that change to the environment, to climate change. i tell people all the time, water

management is a way of life here in south louisiana and we have to be more strategic, we have to be data driven. that is why we developed the first storm water master plan, to look analytically at the... here in south louisiana and in baton rouge specifically, our drainage systems and how they are impacted, so we can strategically mitigate these issues. so water is a way of life. for me, climate change is real. i have witnessed it first—hand several times here in baton rouge and, as you may recall, just in 2016 we had a catastrophic 1000 year flood that made a major impact in our community. made a major impact in our community-— made a major impact in our communi . ,, ., ., ~ , ., �* community. sharon weston broome, we wish ou community. sharon weston broome, we

wish you the _ community. sharon weston broome, we wish you the best _ community. sharon weston broome, we wish you the best with _ community. sharon weston broome, we wish you the best with the _ community. sharon weston broome, we wish you the best with the clean-up, - wish you the best with the clean—up, thank you for coming on a programme. thank you so much for having me. the evacuation in kabul is winding down as we head into the final 24—hour window. there is every indication the americans are rght now wrapping up their operation, with only 1,200 people evacuated in the last 2a hours. the pentagon said today it is the largest airlift they have ever conducted. 122,000 people have been flown out of the country since august 15th. afghans the vast majority of those who've left. but these are tense final moments. the pentagon says the threat of isis attacks is real and persistent. in the last 2a hours five rockets were fired at kabul�*s international airport. four landed without incident, the fifth was neutralised by an american anti—missile system. the pentagon says it also targeted an isis vehicle that was heading towards kabul airport. a spokesman said there were secondary explosions, suggesting it was being prepared as a car bomb. but reports suggest the drone strike also killed ten civilians, including several small children. the dead were all from a single

extended family and were getting out of a car in their driveway when the strike hit the nearby isis vehicle. meanwhile, in the last hour, the un security council has adopted a resolution calling on the taliban to ensure safe passage for people trying to leave afghanistan. secunder kermani has this report from kabul. flames leap from a car after militants from the islamic state group used it to launch rockets at kabul airport. they were intercepted by a missile defence system. but planes landing today fired flares to try and protect themselves from further attack. nearby, a family combs through the wreckage of a us drone strike launched yesterday. relatives and neighbours are collecting remains of the victims to bury. they angrily reject american claims the vehicle targeted was being used by a suicide bomber

from the islamic state group. "if there was a bomb inside, the car would've been blown up," says this man. amongst those killed, two—year—old sameya, 12—year—old farzad, and these two twins, as well as narsa, who had previously worked alongside american forces. the family was hoping to be evacuated out of the country. my brother came from his work, wanted to park the car in here, and there were children that was in the car, on the time it was happening. and how many people from yourfamily died? ten person has died in here. we lost ten person, including my daughter, who was dead. two years old. what happened here appears to be an awful human tragedy. it also underlines the challenges the us is going to face in trying to target militants from afar and the terrible consequences

ordinary afghans have to pay. the us has said it's assessing and investigating reports of civilian casualties, but insists an imminent threat to the airport was disrupted. nobody wants to see innocent life taken. we take it very, very seriously, and when we know that we have caused innocent life to be lost in the conduct of our operations, we're transparent about it. we're investigating this. i'm not going to get ahead of it. the evacuation effort is now in its very final stages, with us soldiers being flown out ahead of tuesday's withdrawal deadline. many afghans remain desperate to leave the country. at this bus stand in kabul, many are headed for the iranian border. nearly all are hoping to be smuggled across. passenger numbers have more than doubled in recent weeks.

translation: the previous government only cared - about getting rich themselves. now the the taliban are here, there are nojobs, _ there's no work anywhere. i need to be able to feed my kids. everything has become more expensive. - we can't live here any more. a new era in afghanistan is about to begin. the taliban say they're bringing peace and ending corruption, but for those here, the deep uncertainty that has accompanied their arrival is a final push towards a new life. secunder kermani, bbc news, kabul. well, let's go straight to kabul, where our chief international correspondent, lyse doucet, joins us. injuly, the in july, the prince injuly, the prince left at nightfall from wagram airbase. —— the americans left. it would obviously make sense to leave under cover of darkness tonight or tomorrow. do you imagine many of thatis

tomorrow. do you imagine many of that is under way? let tomorrow. do you imagine many of that is under way?— tomorrow. do you imagine many of that is under way? let me 'ust bring new to this — that is under way? let me 'ust bring new to this rooftop h that is under way? let me 'ust bring new to this rooftop in _ that is under way? let me just bring new to this rooftop in kabul, - that is under way? let me just bring new to this rooftop in kabul, where l new to this rooftop in kabul, where we are discussing this very point. there have been american war planes circling in the skies throughout the day, circling quite low, and we understood they were providing cover for some of the last flights. there is no more military aircraft in the sky. wejust is no more military aircraft in the sky. we just saw some tracer fire. can argue is here? there are sounds, tracerfire, red lights. a splash of red lights going up not farfrom where we are. just before we came on air, we have been told from what i thought was a good source that the last flight would be tomorrow, but was that a ruse to confuse people? and now that it is the 31st, it has just gone past midnight here in afghanistan, and we are hearing gunfire again. this is what it sounds like now in kabul at this hour. sounds like now in kabul at this houn sounds like now in kabul at this hour. ., , ., ' , ., hour. there are sea 17 is heading out and there _ hour. there are sea 17 is heading out and there are _ hour. there are sea 17 is heading out and there are of _ hour. there are sea 17 is heading out and there are of course - hour. there are sea 17 is heading out and there are of course most hour. there are sea 17 is heading i out and there are of course most of the nato forces have gone, so it is

just american forces at the airport. how many have been, would have been left, 3000 4000? how many have been, would have been left. 3000 4000?— left, 3000 4000? probably not that man , it left, 3000 4000? probably not that many. it pure _ left, 3000 4000? probably not that many, it pure speculation _ left, 3000 4000? probably not that many, it pure speculation because l many, it pure speculation because the pentagon were asked about that and they would told they couldn't save for operational reasons because as we have seen in recent days they have come under attack from islamic state, but some taliban supporters just under an hour ago supportive —— reported photographs of an elite unit looking like american soldiers themselves with all the uniforms and regalia meeting face—to—face with the last american soldiers at the airport, suggesting that the final transfer was on its way. but no one has said yet that it is actually done. and i would imagine the americans won't do until they are sure everything is done. ida. americans won't do until they are sure everything is done.— sure everything is done. no, for understandable _ sure everything is done. no, for understandable operational- sure everything is done. no, for - understandable operational reasons. just going back to secunder kermani's report, that is a truly

awful thing that has happened in kabul. the drone strike on the vehicle, obviously everybody very much aware how perilous it has been for the troops on the base and may that was a cow billie car bomb that was heading to the airport, but of course isn't people going to the airport and ten people dying from the same family.— airport and ten people dying from the same family. you have to ask, what was the _ the same family. you have to ask, what was the intelligence? - the same family. you have to ask, what was the intelligence? is - the same family. you have to ask, what was the intelligence? is that | what was the intelligence? is that during approach... i am hearing what was the intelligence? is that during approach... iam hearing more and more gunfire now, is it celebratory gunfire as the last planes take off from kabul airport? what do the americans see? bay obviously saw this vehicle, which they said was carrying multiple suicide bombers. a vehicle they say was packed with explosives. intelligence they had which said it was heading to hamid karzai international airport. did they see that there was a family close by? the family says that they were... that ten members, including seven

children, were killed. the bewilderment and pain of the man, ramin yousufi, who was interviewed ijy ramin yousufi, who was interviewed by the bbc. he couldn't make sense of it, he said, some of my family members worked as an interpreter for the us military, we worked for ngos. my the us military, we worked for ngos. my children, theirfaces the us military, we worked for ngos. my children, their faces were so burned we couldn't recognise them and just... they had us visas, were waiting to go to the airport do go to america and were hit by an american drone. who can begin to understand that?— understand that? dreadful. lyse doucet in kabul, _ understand that? dreadful. lyse doucet in kabul, thank - understand that? dreadful. lyse doucet in kabul, thank you - understand that? dreadful. lyse doucet in kabul, thank you very | understand that? dreadful. lyse - doucet in kabul, thank you very much for the update. let's bring in douglas lute. he is a three—star army general, who served as a us ambassador to nato and was a senior advisor on afghanistan to both the bush and obama administrations. thank you so much for being with us this evening. there is a nato meeting ahead of us are in the next few hours in new york. the ambassadors will be meeting. what will they be discussing in relation to the way we treat the taliban going forward? i think we... i'm

sorry, douglas lute, we don't appear to have a new sound from you at the moment. we will try to come back to douglas lute because we do certainly want to hear from douglas lute because we do certainly want to hearfrom him do stay douglas lute because we do certainly want to hear from him do stay with us bbc news because we have more to come... we will go to brazil, where there is news of hostages being strapped to the back of getaway cars. that is coming up. as we've been hearing, the five permanent members of the un security council are meeting tonight to discuss plans to try to ensure safe passage for those trying to leave afghanistan. sir mark lyall—grant is a former uk ambassador to the un — earlier he gave us his reaction to the current situation in afghanistan. well, i don't think one can trust

what the taliban has said, but having made that point, it is worth noting that 120,000 people have been evacuated in the last two weeks and not a single one would have been safely evacuated, had it not been for the taliban allowing that to happen and in some cases indeeed facilitating it to happen. so they have kept their word in not attacking foreign forces and they have kept their word in allowing foreigners and those who work for foreign governments to leave the country. so that's a relatively good start. but of course one can't entirely trust what they say and we have to wait to see what they will do. welcome back, we have had a few technical problems, but we can move on and return to douglas lute, our three star army general who served both the bush and obama administrations. thank you for being with us, sorry about the problems we had there. let's

talk about that meeting in new york in the next few hours, nato's ambassadors coming together. what would you be advising them in relation to their attitude to the taliban going forward? i relation to their attitude to the taliban going forward?- relation to their attitude to the taliban going forward? i think the b ord taliban going forward? i think the byword here _ taliban going forward? i think the byword here has _ taliban going forward? i think the byword here has to _ taliban going forward? i think the byword here has to be, _ taliban going forward? i think the byword here has to be, actions. taliban going forward? i think the - byword here has to be, actions speak louder than words. the taliban have been saying, as a reporterjust mentioned, they have been saying many of the right things. they have proven, in some regards, that is providing the outer ring of security at kabul airport, although imperfect, they have allowed british citizens, american citizens, others and tens of thousands of afghans to move through the airport and be evacuated. but it takes enormous resources... remember there is no taliban government right now. there is a taliban insurgency that is trying to find its feet as a lowered his government and they face

multiple crises. so i think coming days will be very telling and we are just in the opening days of this. we are 'ust in the opening days of this. ~ ., ., ., ., this. we heard from the pentagon aaain and this. we heard from the pentagon again and of— this. we heard from the pentagon again and of course _ this. we heard from the pentagon again and of course dreadful - this. we heard from the pentagon again and of course dreadful day, | this. we heard from the pentagon i again and of course dreadful day, on thursday 13th servicemen and women killed outside the airport. as you are hearing for our correspondence, lyse doucet, outside the airport, it looks like things are happening at the airport. what does this all mean forjoe biden's counterterrorism for joe biden's counterterrorism effort forjoe biden's counterterrorism effort going forward? because the threat has been real and it has been persistent for some days. i threat has been real and it has been persistent for some days.— persistent for some days. i think that the two _ persistent for some days. i think that the two strikes _ persistent for some days. i think that the two strikes of _ persistent for some days. i think that the two strikes of recent - persistent for some days. i think i that the two strikes of recent days really frame the challenge. several days ago you had a strike on... islamic state planners in nangarhar province, conducted based on precision intelligence and conduct effectively from outside afghanistan. that is, the strike itself was conducted from over the horizon, as we say, so that is a positive example that might give us

some reassurance. but more recently the second strike, where it appears early reports are that there was obviously an intelligence shortfall and i think that strike demonstrates the challenge of doing this at a distance, from outside afghanistan, and especially the challenge of using counterterrorist tactics like the drone strike, against this. you've been heavily involved with the years with the training of soldiers on the ground and equipping of those soldiers. i want to play you a click and play it for our viewers from a press conference last week. this is republican congressman jim banks from india. he is an afghan veteran himself, captain of the navy reserve, and he was also a supply corps officer, supplying equipment through afghanistan. take a listen. we now _ equipment through afghanistan. take a listen. we now know that due to the negligence of this administration, the taliban now has access_ administration, the taliban now has access to _ administration, the taliban now has access to over $85 billion worth of american military equipment. that

includes _ american military equipment. that includes 75,000 vehicles, over 200 aeroplanes and helicopters, over 600.000 — aeroplanes and helicopters, over 600,000 small arms and light weapons. these had a band now has more _ weapons. these had a band now has more black— weapons. these had a band now has more black hawk helicopters and 85% of the _ more black hawk helicopters and 85% of the countries in the world. —— the taliban— of the countries in the world. —— the taliban now has more. that is an incredible arsenal of equipment we have left behind in afghanistan. what is the pentagon do about that going forward? shill. i about that going forward? al, i think we need _ about that going forward? al, i think we need to _ about that going forward? al, i think we need to be _ about that going forward? ri i think we need to be realistic about that going forward? ai i think we need to be realistic here. the small arms that were seized from the afghan national army as they collapsed will add to... the taliban is a ready awash in small arms, so there is no decisive differential there. with regard to more sophisticated equipment, like black hawk helicopters, the american military with world—class logistics and world—class maintainers,

stake the 70% rate at any moment. they will be inoperable within days and at most weeks within the time the taliban sees them, so again it is very regrettable transfer of equipment, but it doesn't change the balance of power on the ground long term. but balance of power on the ground long term. �* ., , ., ~' balance of power on the ground long term. �* ., i. ~ ., ., term. but do you think the pentagon wanted to destroy _ term. but do you think the pentagon wanted to destroy some _ term. but do you think the pentagon wanted to destroy some of— term. but do you think the pentagon wanted to destroy some of that? - wanted to destroy some of that? obviously when you are trying to maintain some sort of relationship with the taliban, but then take black hawk helicopters after circulation, you have a problem, don't you, if you go in and bomb them the relationship a setback. the black them the relationship a setback. iie: black hawk them the relationship a setback. "iie: black hawk helicopters, them the relationship a setback. ii2 black hawk helicopters, as sophisticated as they are, will take himself out of operation, simply because of the absence of maintainers. and by the way i don't think there are too many taliban pilots, so again these are the sorts of pieces of kit that we will see littered around kabul international

airport in the coming weeks. inoperable and with no military impact. i inoperable and with no military imact. ., ., ., ,., inoperable and with no military imact. ., ., ., ., ., ., impact. i want to ask you about nato as these nato _ impact. i want to ask you about nato as these nato ambassadors - impact. i want to ask you about nato as these nato ambassadors come . as these nato ambassadors come together. do you, as a former ambassador to nato, do think there is now a rebuilding exercise needs to be done?— is now a rebuilding exercise needs to be done? look, even before the colla se to be done? look, even before the collapse of — to be done? look, even before the collapse of the _ to be done? look, even before the collapse of the afghan _ to be done? look, even before the collapse of the afghan state - to be done? look, even before the collapse of the afghan state in - to be done? look, even before the collapse of the afghan state in the | collapse of the afghan state in the last couple of weeks, nato had taken on as a result of the nato summit this summer, had taken on the rewriting of their foundational strategic... it is rewritten about once every ten years. the last one was approved in 2010 and is clearly out of date, not only because in afghanistan is no longer in operation, but going all the way back to 2010 we imagined under that strategic concept that russia might be part of events and clearly that hasn't proved to be the case, so there is a substantial rewrite under way. i think the most recent experience in afghanistan will feed

into that review process that is under way in nato._ into that review process that is under way in nato. douglas lute, aood under way in nato. douglas lute, food of under way in nato. douglas lute, good of you _ under way in nato. douglas lute, good of you to — under way in nato. douglas lute, good of you to join _ under way in nato. douglas lute, good of you to join us _ under way in nato. douglas lute, good of you to join us this - under way in nato. douglas lute, l good of you to join us this evening, thank you very much. do stay with us, we are hearing there is an impending press conference right ahead and we will bring you that news. hello there. monday was a disappointingly cool and cloudy day for many parts of the country, and we had some drizzly showers earlier on in the north east of england, where temperatures struggled to make 15 degrees. sunshine was certainly in shorter supply. this part of wales did see temperatures nearer 20 celsius with some blue skies. there's a lot of cloud around at the moment, as you can see from the earlier satellite picture, and that cloud will continue to run in across many parts of england and wales overnight tonight. there's some thinner cloud, though, for scotland and northern ireland, so here temperatures could slip away to 7—8 degrees perhaps. but underneath the blanket of cloud for england and wales, it's going to be 11—14 celsius, and there still could be a bit

of drizzle in the air even as we head into tuesday. high pressure was centred to the north—west of the uk today. it's in the same place again tomorrow. no doubt there will be some changes to the cloud structure, and towards the south east, perhaps east anglia, this is where we could see thinner cloud and maybe a little sunshine coming through. maybe a bit more sunshine breaking through across some central and western parts of scotland, together with northern ireland. many other areas sitting underneath a lot of cloud, and the breeze is still coming in off the north sea. so, right along those north sea coasts, it's not going to feel very warm at all. again there could be some dampness and drizzle in the air, temperatures struggling to 15—16 degrees. with the sunshine when it comes, temperatures again 20, perhaps even 21 celsius. the high pressure is still there as we head into the middle part of the week. it's not moving anywhere just yet. around it, we've got some stronger winds down the east coast of england, through the english channel and perhaps into the south east of england, where there'll be more cloud, i think, on wednesday. and a lot of cloud will cover

england and wales again on wednesday, but hopefully more sunshine in scotland, northern ireland, perhaps into cumbria as well. temperatures in the central belt of scotland getting up to 20—21 celsius. it'll feel more pleasant. and the winds, by the time we get to thursday, will be lighter, but still there's that mixture of cloudy skies across the bulk of england and wales, sunshine in cumbria, perhaps west wales, and more sunshine across scotland and northern ireland with the highest of the temperatures. cloudy, but generally dry weather on friday, but signs of change towards the end of the week and into the weekend. in particular, as the high moves away, we've got the first signs of some proper rain.

you are watching bbc news. our headlines — ina in a short time we will take you to washington for a pentagon press conference that has just been called and we will hear from john kirby the pentagon press or terry and the marine corps general kenneth mckenzie. unorthodox because we've already had a pentagon press conference today so we must presume they have to and they want to announce and you might have seen our chief international correspondent in kabul saying they had been celebratory fire in the city. there is no longer the sound of helicopters over the city and that is the podium at the pentagon. we will take you to that quickly as a

win that starts. let's go back to kabul. as you are staying, you are saying quite prophetically a few minutes ago, it did sound to you as though this had now come to an end, the americans might have already left the city of kabul.— left the city of kabul. listen. let's listen. _ left the city of kabul. listen. let's listen. look _ left the city of kabul. listen. let's listen. look at - left the city of kabul. listen. let's listen. look at the - left the city of kabul. listen. | let's listen. look at the tracer fire in the air. the guns are going off. you can see the streams of red lights and see behind me the tracer fire going up in the night sky. all day we had heard the american war planes circling above the city, flying low as we thought the last american flights were ticking off providing extra cover in these last decisive hours. but it is now the sist decisive hours. but it is now the 31st of august in afghanistan. the day that presidentjoe biden said the american military mission, the

20 year engagement by us led nato forces, would formally and, and this is what you are hearing now. the irruption of celebratory gunfire by taliban supporters in the city of kabul. a very decisive chapter... let me just interrupt you now that reuters has reported the last us troops have withdrawn from afghanistan. i troops have withdrawn from afghanistan.— troops have withdrawn from afghanistan. troops have withdrawn from aft hanistan. ., �* ,, afghanistan. i don't think we need to look at the _ afghanistan. i don't think we need to look at the newswire. _ afghanistan. i don't think we need to look at the newswire. just - afghanistan. i don't think we need | to look at the newswire. just listen to look at the newswire. just listen to what is happening in the skies above us in kabul. if that is not confirmation, i don't know what he is. just listen to the crackle of gunfire. is. just listen to the crackle of aunfire. , ., , a, is. just listen to the crackle of aunfire. , ., _ _, ., is. just listen to the crackle of aunfire. , ., , a, ., ., gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium. _ gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium, let's _ gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium, let's listen - gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium, let's listen in - gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium, let's listen in to - gunfire. john kirby coming out to the podium, let's listen in to the| the podium, let's listen in to the pentagon spokesperson. he will come back to you.

pentagon spokesperson. he will come back to ou. pentagon spokesperson. he will come back to you-— back to you. good afternoon, everybody- — back to you. good afternoon, everybody- i— back to you. good afternoon, everybody. i am _ back to you. good afternoon, everybody. i am going - back to you. good afternoon, everybody. i am going to - back to you. good afternoon, i everybody. i am going to turn. .. to everybody. i am going to turn... to be have _ everybody. i am going to turn... to be have a _ everybody. i am going to turn... to be have a general up? i'm going to turnthe— be have a general up? i'm going to turn the podium over to general frank_ turn the podium over to general frank mckenzie, commander of us at her command. frank mckenzie, commander of us at hercommand. he frank mckenzie, commander of us at her command. he will have some opening _ her command. he will have some opening comments and intakes and questions _ opening comments and intakes and questions and we do have a hard stop at 5pm _ questions and we do have a hard stop at 5pm so _ questions and we do have a hard stop at 5pm so i _ questions and we do have a hard stop at 5pm so i would not waste any more time _ at 5pm so i would not waste any more time can _ at 5pm so i would not waste any more time can you— at 5pm so i would not waste any more time. can you hear it see me 0k?| time. can you hear it see me ok? i can time. can you hear it see me 0k? can hear it time. can you hear it see me ok? i can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank_ can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank you — can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank you for— can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank you for being _ can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank you for being here _ can hear it seemed just fine, over. thank you for being here today i can hear it seemed just fine, over. | thank you for being here today and can hear it seemed just fine, over. i thank you for being here today and i turn it— thank you for being here today and i turn it over— thank you for being here today and i turn it over to you, sir.— turn it over to you, sir. thanks, john. turn it over to you, sir. thanks, john- good _ turn it over to you, sir. thanks, john. good afternoon, - turn it over to you, sir. thanks, | john. good afternoon, everyone. turn it over to you, sir. thanks, i john. good afternoon, everyone. i'm here to— john. good afternoon, everyone. i'm here to announce _ john. good afternoon, everyone. i'm here to announce the _ john. good afternoon, everyone. i'm here to announce the completion i john. good afternoon, everyone. i'm here to announce the completion ofl here to announce the completion of our evacuation _ here to announce the completion of our evacuation of _ here to announce the completion of our evacuation of afghanistan - here to announce the completion of our evacuation of afghanistan and l our evacuation of afghanistan and the end _ our evacuation of afghanistan and the end of— our evacuation of afghanistan and the end of our— our evacuation of afghanistan and the end of our military— our evacuation of afghanistan and the end of our military operation. | the end of our military operation. the last— the end of our military operation. the last 017 _ the end of our military operation. the last c—17 lifted _ the end of our military operation. the last c—17 lifted off— the end of our military operation. the last c—17 lifted off from - the end of our military operation. the last c—17 lifted off from the l the last c—17 lifted off from the international— the last c—17 lifted off from the international airport _ the last c—17 lifted off from the international airport on - the last c—17 lifted off from the international airport on august| the last c—17 lifted off from the i international airport on august 30 at 3:29pm — international airport on august 30 at 3:29pm east _ international airport on august 30 at 3:29pm east coast _ international airport on august 30 at 3:29pm east coast time - international airport on august 30 at 3:29pm east coast time and i international airport on august 30 i at 3:29pm east coast time and the last man _ at 3:29pm east coast time and the last man aircraft _ at 3:29pm east coast time and the last man aircraft is _ at 3:29pm east coast time and the last man aircraft is now— at 3:29pm east coast time and the last man aircraft is now clearing i last man aircraft is now clearing the air— last man aircraft is now clearing the air above _ last man aircraft is now clearing the air above afghanistan. i last man aircraft is now clearing the air above afghanistan. we i last man aircraft is now clearing i the air above afghanistan. we will soon _ the air above afghanistan. we will soon release —

the air above afghanistan. we will soon release a _ the air above afghanistan. we will soon release a photo _ the air above afghanistan. we will soon release a photo of _ the air above afghanistan. we will soon release a photo of the - the air above afghanistan. we will soon release a photo of the last i soon release a photo of the last 017 _ soon release a photo of the last 0” departing _ soon release a photo of the last c—17 departing afghanistan i soon release a photo of the last c—17 departing afghanistan withj c—17 departing afghanistan with major— c—17 departing afghanistan with major generai— c—17 departing afghanistan with major general chris _ c—17 departing afghanistan with major general chris donahue i c—17 departing afghanistan with major general chris donahue in| c—17 departing afghanistan with i major general chris donahue in the us ambassador— major general chris donahue in the us ambassador to— major general chris donahue in the us ambassador to afghanistan i major general chris donahue in the| us ambassador to afghanistan ross witson— us ambassador to afghanistan ross wilson aboard _ us ambassador to afghanistan ross wilson aboard. while _ us ambassador to afghanistan ross wilson aboard. while the _ us ambassador to afghanistan ross wilson aboard. while the military i wilson aboard. while the military evacuation — wilson aboard. while the military evacuation is _ wilson aboard. while the military evacuation is complete, - wilson aboard. while the military evacuation is complete, the i evacuation is complete, the diplomatic— evacuation is complete, the diplomatic mission- evacuation is complete, the diplomatic mission to - evacuation is complete, the| diplomatic mission to ensure additional— diplomatic mission to ensure additional us— diplomatic mission to ensure additional us citizens - diplomatic mission to ensure additional us citizens and i diplomatic mission to ensure i additional us citizens and eligible afghans _ additional us citizens and eligible afghans who— additional us citizens and eligible afghans who want _ additional us citizens and eligible afghans who want to _ additional us citizens and eligible afghans who want to leave - additional us citizens and eligible i afghans who want to leave continues, and i afghans who want to leave continues, and i know _ afghans who want to leave continues, and i know that — afghans who want to leave continues, and i know that you _ afghans who want to leave continues, and i know that you have _ afghans who want to leave continues, and i know that you have heard - and i know that you have heard and you were _ and i know that you have heard and you were going _ and i know that you have heard and you were going to _ and i know that you have heard and you were going to hear— and i know that you have heard and you were going to hear more - and i know that you have heard and you were going to hear more about| you were going to hear more about that from _ you were going to hear more about that from the — you were going to hear more about that from the state _ you were going to hear more about that from the state department i that from the state department shortly — that from the state department shortly. tonight _ that from the state department shortly. tonight pocket- that from the state department i shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies _ shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies both _ shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies both the _ shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies both the end _ shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies both the end of— shortly. tonight pocket withdrawal signifies both the end of the - signifies both the end of the mititary— signifies both the end of the military component- signifies both the end of the military component of- signifies both the end of the military component of the i military component of the evacuation, _ military component of the evacuation, but _ military component of the evacuation, but also i military component of the evacuation, but also the i military component of the i evacuation, but also the end of military component of the - evacuation, but also the end of the nearly— evacuation, but also the end of the nearly 20 _ evacuation, but also the end of the nearly 20 year _ evacuation, but also the end of the nearly 20 year mission _ evacuation, but also the end of the nearly 20 year mission that - evacuation, but also the end of the nearly 20 year mission that beganl evacuation, but also the end of the. nearly 20 year mission that began in afghanistan — nearly 20 year mission that began in afghanistan shortly— nearly 20 year mission that began in afghanistan shortly after _ nearly 20 year mission that began in afghanistan shortly after septemberj afghanistan shortly after september the 11th— afghanistan shortly after september the iith 200i — afghanistan shortly after september the 11th 2001. it's— afghanistan shortly after september the 11th 2001. it's a _ afghanistan shortly after september the 11th 2001. it's a mission- afghanistan shortly after september the 11th 2001. it's a mission that- the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought— the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some _ the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some of _ the11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some of bin— the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some of bin laden- the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some of bin laden to i the 11th 2001. it's a mission that brought some of bin laden to a i brought some of bin laden to a just and along _ brought some of bin laden to a just and along with _ brought some of bin laden to a just and along with many _ brought some of bin laden to a just and along with many of _ brought some of bin laden to a just and along with many of his - and along with many of his co—conspirators. _ and along with many of his co—conspirators. and - and along with many of his co—conspirators. and it i and along with many of hisi co—conspirators. and it was and along with many of his i co—conspirators. and it was not and along with many of his - co—conspirators. and it was not a cheap— co—conspirators. and it was not a cheap mission _ co—conspirators. and it was not a cheap mission. the _ co—conspirators. and it was not a cheap mission. the cost - co—conspirators. and it was not a cheap mission. the cost was i co—conspirators. and it was not a| cheap mission. the cost was 2461 service _ cheap mission. the cost was 2461 service members— cheap mission. the cost was 2461 service members and _ cheap mission. the cost was 2461 service members and civilian i cheap mission. the cost was 2461. service members and civilian killed and more — service members and civilian killed and more than _ service members and civilian killed and more than 20,000 _ service members and civilian killed and more than 20,000 injured. i service members and civilian killed i and more than 20,000 injured. sadly that includes— and more than 20,000 injured. sadly that includes 13 _ and more than 20,000 injured. sadly that includes 13 us— and more than 20,000 injured. sadly that includes 13 us service _ and more than 20,000 injured. sadly that includes 13 us service membersl that includes 13 us service members they were _ that includes 13 us service members they were killed _ that includes 13 us service members they were killed last _ that includes 13 us service members they were killed last week— that includes 13 us service members they were killed last week by- that includes 13 us service members they were killed last week by a - they were killed last week by a suicide — they were killed last week by a suicide bomber. _ they were killed last week by a suicide bomber. we _ they were killed last week by a suicide bomber. we honour. they were killed last week by a l suicide bomber. we honourtheir sacrifice — suicide bomber. we honourtheir sacrifice today— suicide bomber. we honourtheir sacrifice today as _ suicide bomber. we honourtheir sacrifice today as we _

suicide bomber. we honourtheir sacrifice today as we rememberl suicide bomber. we honourtheir- sacrifice today as we remember their heroic— sacrifice today as we remember their heroic accomplishments. _ sacrifice today as we remember their heroic accomplishments. note - sacrifice today as we remember their heroic accomplishments. note words from me _ heroic accomplishments. note words from me could — heroic accomplishments. note words from me could possibly— heroic accomplishments. note words from me could possibly capture i heroic accomplishments. note words from me could possibly capture the i from me could possibly capture the full measure — from me could possibly capture the full measure of _ from me could possibly capture the full measure of sacrifices _ from me could possibly capture the full measure of sacrifices and - full measure of sacrifices and acknowledgements _ full measure of sacrifices and acknowledgements of - full measure of sacrifices and acknowledgements of those i full measure of sacrifices and i acknowledgements of those who served. — acknowledgements of those who served. nor— acknowledgements of those who served, nor the _ acknowledgements of those who served, nor the emotions- acknowledgements of those who served, nor the emotions they . acknowledgements of those who i served, nor the emotions they are feeling _ served, nor the emotions they are feeling at — served, nor the emotions they are feeling at this _ served, nor the emotions they are feeling at this moment. _ served, nor the emotions they are feeling at this moment. but- served, nor the emotions they are feeling at this moment. but i- served, nor the emotions they are feeling at this moment. but i willl feeling at this moment. but i will say that— feeling at this moment. but i will say that i'm — feeling at this moment. but i will say that i'm proud _ feeling at this moment. but i will say that i'm proud that _ feeling at this moment. but i will say that i'm proud that both i feeling at this moment. but i will say that i'm proud that both my. say that i'm proud that both my son and i_ say that i'm proud that both my son and i had _ say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been— say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been a _ say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been a part— say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been a part of— say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been a part of it. - say that i'm proud that both my son and i had been a part of it. before i and i had been a part of it. before i and i had been a part of it. before i open _ and i had been a part of it. before i open it— and i had been a part of it. before i open it up— and i had been a part of it. before i open it up for— and i had been a part of it. before i open it up for questions, - and i had been a part of it. before i open it up for questions, i- and i had been a part of it. before i open it up for questions, i do. i open it up for questions, i do want to— i open it up for questions, i do want to provide some - i open it up for questions, i do. want to provide some important context— want to provide some important context to — want to provide some important context to the _ want to provide some important context to the evacuation - want to provide some important i context to the evacuation mission that we _ context to the evacuation mission that we just — context to the evacuation mission that we just completed. - context to the evacuation mission that we just completed. in - context to the evacuation mission that we just completed. in what l context to the evacuation mission i that we just completed. in what was the largest— that we just completed. in what was the largest noncombatant_ that we just completed. in what wasi the largest noncombatant evacuation in the _ the largest noncombatant evacuation in the us— the largest noncombatant evacuation in the us military's _ the largest noncombatant evacuation in the us military's history. - the largest noncombatant evacuation in the us military's history. since i in the us military's history. since august— in the us military's history. since august the — in the us military's history. since august the 14th, _ in the us military's history. since august the 14th, over _ in the us military's history. since august the 14th, over an - in the us military's history. since august the 14th, over an 18 - in the us military's history. since august the 14th, over an 18 day l august the 14th, over an 18 day period. — august the 14th, over an 18 day period. us _ august the 14th, over an 18 day period, us military— august the 14th, over an 18 day period, us military aircraft i august the 14th, over an 18 day period, us military aircraft andl period, us military aircraft and evacuated _ period, us military aircraft and evacuated more _ period, us military aircraft and evacuated more than - period, us military aircraft and evacuated more than 79,000. period, us military aircraft and - evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from the _ evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from the airport — evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from the airport in— evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from the airport in kabul. _ evacuated more than 79,000 civilians from the airport in kabul. that- from the airport in kabul. that includes — from the airport in kabul. that includes 6000 _ from the airport in kabul. that includes 6000 americans i from the airport in kabul. that includes 6000 americans andl from the airport in kabul. that- includes 6000 americans and more than 73.503rd — includes 6000 americans and more than 73,503rd country— includes 6000 americans and more than 73,503rd country nationals i includes 6000 americans and more| than 73,503rd country nationals and afghan— than 73,503rd country nationals and afghan civilians. _ than 73,503rd country nationals and afghan civilians. this _ than 73,503rd country nationals and afghan civilians. this last _ than 73,503rd country nationals and afghan civilians. this last category i afghan civilians. this last category includes _ afghan civilians. this last category includes special— afghan civilians. this last category includes special immigrant - afghan civilians. this last category includes special immigrant visas, i includes special immigrant visas, consular— includes special immigrant visas, consular staff, _ includes special immigrant visas, consular staff, at— includes special immigrant visas, consular staff, at risk— includes special immigrant visas, consular staff, at risk afghans . includes special immigrant visas, l consular staff, at risk afghans and their families. _ consular staff, at risk afghans and theirfamilies. in—

consular staff, at risk afghans and their families. in total, _ consular staff, at risk afghans and their families. in total, us - consular staff, at risk afghans and their families. in total, us and - their families. in total, us and coalition— their families. in total, us and coalition aircraft— their families. in total, us and coalition aircraft combined - their families. in total, us and coalition aircraft combined to i coalition aircraft combined to evacuate _ coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more _ coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more than - coalition aircraft combined to evacuate more than 123,000| evacuate more than 123,000 civilians, — evacuate more than 123,000 civilians, which _ evacuate more than 123,000 civilians, which were - evacuate more than 123,000 civilians, which were all- evacuate more than 123,000 . civilians, which were all enabled evacuate more than 123,000 - civilians, which were all enabled by us military— civilians, which were all enabled by us military service _ civilians, which were all enabled by us military service members - civilians, which were all enabled by us military service members who l civilians, which were all enabled by - us military service members who were securing _ us military service members who were securing and _ us military service members who were securing and operating _ us military service members who were securing and operating the _ us military service members who were securing and operating the airfield. - securing and operating the airfield. 0n securing and operating the airfield. on average. — securing and operating the airfield. on average. we _ securing and operating the airfield. on average, we evacuated - securing and operating the airfield. on average, we evacuated more i securing and operating the airfield. on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians — on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians per— on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians per day— on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians per day over— on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians per day over the - on average, we evacuated more than 7500 civilians per day over the 18 - 7500 civilians per day over the 18 days of— 7500 civilians per day over the 18 days of the — 7500 civilians per day over the 18 days of the mission, _ 7500 civilians per day over the 18 days of the mission, which - 7500 civilians per day over the 18 . days of the mission, which includes 16 fuii— days of the mission, which includes 16 full days — days of the mission, which includes 16 full days of — days of the mission, which includes 16 full days of evacuations. - days of the mission, which includes 16 full days of evacuations. and - 16 full days of evacuations. and more _ 16 full days of evacuations. and more than _ 16 full days of evacuations. and more than 19,000 _ 16 full days of evacuations. and more than 19,000 on— 16 full days of evacuations. and more than 19,000 on a - 16 full days of evacuations. and more than 19,000 on a single i 16 full days of evacuations. and . more than 19,000 on a single day. these _ more than 19,000 on a single day. these numbers— more than 19,000 on a single day. these numbers do— more than 19,000 on a single day. these numbers do not— more than 19,000 on a single day. these numbers do not include - more than 19,000 on a single day. these numbers do not include the| these numbers do not include the roughly— these numbers do not include the roughly 5000 _ these numbers do not include the roughly 5000 service _ these numbers do not include the roughly 5000 service members i these numbers do not include the. roughly 5000 service members and their equipment _ roughly 5000 service members and their equipment that— roughly 5000 service members and their equipment that were - roughly 5000 service members and their equipment that were sent - roughly 5000 service members and their equipment that were sent to i their equipment that were sent to afghanistan — their equipment that were sent to afghanistan to _ their equipment that were sent to afghanistan to secure _ their equipment that were sent to afghanistan to secure the - their equipment that were sent to afghanistan to secure the airfield | afghanistan to secure the airfield and who— afghanistan to secure the airfield and who were _ afghanistan to secure the airfield and who were withdrawn - afghanistan to secure the airfield and who were withdrawn at - afghanistan to secure the airfield and who were withdrawn at the l and who were withdrawn at the conclusion _ and who were withdrawn at the conclusion of— and who were withdrawn at the conclusion of our— and who were withdrawn at the conclusion of our mission. - and who were withdrawn at the conclusion of our mission. the | conclusion of our mission. the numbers— conclusion of our mission. the numbers are _ conclusion of our mission. the numbers are provided - conclusion of our mission. the i numbers are provided represent conclusion of our mission. the . numbers are provided represent a monumentat— numbers are provided represent a monumental accomplishment, . numbers are provided represent a| monumentalaccomplishment, but numbers are provided represent a - monumental accomplishment, but they do not _ monumental accomplishment, but they do not do _ monumental accomplishment, but they do not dojustice — monumental accomplishment, but they do not dojustice to _ monumental accomplishment, but they do not do justice to the _ do not do justice to the determination, - do not do justice to the determination, grit, i do not do justice to the - determination, grit, flexibility do not do justice to the _ determination, grit, flexibility and professionalism _ determination, grit, flexibility and professionalism of— determination, grit, flexibility and professionalism of the _ determination, grit, flexibility and professionalism of the men - determination, grit, flexibility and professionalism of the men and i determination, grit, flexibility and - professionalism of the men and women of the _ professionalism of the men and women of the us— professionalism of the men and women of the us military— professionalism of the men and women of the us military and _ professionalism of the men and women of the us military and our— of the us military and our coalition partners _ of the us military and our coalition partners who — of the us military and our coalition partners who were _ of the us military and our coalition partners who were able _ of the us military and our coalition partners who were able to - partners who were able to rapidly combined — partners who were able to rapidly combined efforts— partners who were able to rapidly combined efforts and _ partners who were able to rapidly combined efforts and evacuate i partners who were able to rapidlyj combined efforts and evacuate so many _ combined efforts and evacuate so many under— combined efforts and evacuate so many under such— combined efforts and evacuate so many under such difficult - many under such difficult conditions. _ many under such difficult conditions. as— many under such difficult conditions. as such, - many under such difficult conditions. as such, i- many under such difficult . conditions. as such, i think many under such difficult - conditions. as such, i think is important _ conditions. as such, i think is important to _ conditions. as such, i think is important to provide - conditions. as such, i think is important to provide you - conditions. as such, i think is important to provide you with conditions. as such, i think is- important to provide you with what i hope will _ important to provide you with what i hope will be — important to provide you with what i hope will be some _ important to provide you with what i

hope will be some viable _ important to provide you with what i hope will be some viable context. i hope will be some viable context. when _ hope will be some viable context. when the — hope will be some viable context. when the president _ hope will be some viable context. when the president directed - hope will be some viable context. when the president directed the i when the president directed the complete — when the president directed the complete withdrawal— when the president directed the complete withdrawal of- when the president directed the complete withdrawal of us - when the president directed the i complete withdrawal of us forces from afghanistan _ complete withdrawal of us forces from afghanistan in _ complete withdrawal of us forces from afghanistan in april, - complete withdrawal of us forces from afghanistan in april, the - complete withdrawal of us forces . from afghanistan in april, the team at us— from afghanistan in april, the team at us at— from afghanistan in april, the team at us at her— from afghanistan in april, the team at us at her command _ from afghanistan in april, the team at us at her command began - from afghanistan in april, the team at us at her command began to - from afghanistan in april, the team . at us at her command began to update and refine _ at us at her command began to update and refine our— at us at her command began to update and refine our existing _ at us at her command began to update and refine our existing plan— at us at her command began to update and refine our existing plan for- at us at her command began to update and refine our existing plan for a - and refine our existing plan for a potential— and refine our existing plan for a potential noncombatant - and refine our existing plan for a . potential noncombatant evacuation potential noncombata nt evacuation operation _ potential noncombatant evacuation operation in — potential noncombatant evacuation operation in afghanistan. - potential noncombatant evacuation operation in afghanistan. we - potential noncombatant evacuation operation in afghanistan. we have| potential noncombatant evacuationi operation in afghanistan. we have a framework— operation in afghanistan. we have a framework of — operation in afghanistan. we have a framework of plans _ operation in afghanistan. we have a framework of plans that _ operation in afghanistan. we have a framework of plans that included . framework of plans that included numerous — framework of plans that included numerous branches, _ framework of plans that included numerous branches, depending. framework of plans that included i numerous branches, depending on framework of plans that included - numerous branches, depending on the nature _ numerous branches, depending on the nature of— numerous branches, depending on the nature of the _ numerous branches, depending on the nature of the security _ numerous branches, depending on the nature of the security environment. i nature of the security environment. 0ver nature of the security environment. over time _ nature of the security environment. over time we — nature of the security environment. overtime we continue _ nature of the security environment. overtime we continue to _ nature of the security environment. overtime we continue to refine - nature of the security environment. overtime we continue to refine our plans, _ 0ver time we continue to refine our plans, which— overtime we continue to refine our plans, which included _ overtime we continue to refine our plans, which included the _ plans, which included the international— plans, which included the international communityi plans, which included the i international community and plans, which included the - international community and other combatant— international community and other combatant commands— international community and other combatant commands and - international community and other combatant commands and plans . international community and other. combatant commands and plans such international community and other- combatant commands and plans such as this are _ combatant commands and plans such as this are buitt— combatant commands and plans such as this are built upon _ combatant commands and plans such as this are built upon a _ combatant commands and plans such as this are built upon a number— combatant commands and plans such as this are built upon a number of- this are built upon a number of facts _ this are built upon a number of facts and — this are built upon a number of facts and assumptions - this are built upon a number of facts and assumptions and - this are built upon a number ofl facts and assumptions and facts this are built upon a number of- facts and assumptions and facts and assumptions — facts and assumptions and facts and assumptions change _ facts and assumptions and facts and assumptions change over— facts and assumptions and facts and assumptions change over time. - facts and assumptions and facts and i assumptions change over time. while observing _ assumptions change over time. while observing the — assumptions change over time. while observing the security— assumptions change over time. while observing the security environment. observing the security environment deteriorating, _ observing the security environment deteriorating, we _ observing the security environment deteriorating, we continue - observing the security environment deteriorating, we continue to- observing the security environment. deteriorating, we continue to update our facts _ deteriorating, we continue to update our facts and — deteriorating, we continue to update our facts and assumptions. - deteriorating, we continue to update our facts and assumptions. as - deteriorating, we continue to update our facts and assumptions. as a - our facts and assumptions. as a security— our facts and assumptions. as a security situation— our facts and assumptions. as a security situation rapidly- our facts and assumptions. as a . security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan _ security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan and _ security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan and that _ security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan and that we - security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan and that we took. security situation rapidly devolved in afghanistan and that we took a| in afghanistan and that we took a number— in afghanistan and that we took a number of— in afghanistan and that we took a number of actions _ in afghanistan and that we took a number of actions to _ in afghanistan and that we took a number of actions to position - number of actions to position ourselves— number of actions to position ourselves for— number of actions to position ourselves for a _ number of actions to position ourselves for a potential - number of actions to position ourselves for a potential neo| number of actions to position - ourselves for a potential neo based on direction — ourselves for a potential neo based on direction from _ ourselves for a potential neo based on direction from secretary - ourselves for a potential neo basedl on direction from secretary defence. we have _ on direction from secretary defence. we have positioned _ on direction from secretary defence. we have positioned it— on direction from secretary defence. we have positioned it forces- on direction from secretary defence. we have positioned it forces in- on direction from secretary defence. we have positioned it forces in the l we have positioned it forces in the region— we have positioned it forces in the region and — we have positioned it forces in the region and put— we have positioned it forces in the region and put them _ we have positioned it forces in the region and put them on _ we have positioned it forces in the region and put them on increasedi region and put them on increased alert— region and put them on increased alert and — region and put them on increased alert and we _

region and put them on increased alert and we began _ region and put them on increased alert and we began a _ region and put them on increased| alert and we began a pre—position supplies— alert and we began a pre—position supplies and — alert and we began a pre—position supplies and we _ alert and we began a pre—position supplies and we began _ alert and we began a pre—position supplies and we began some - supplies and we began some preparatory— supplies and we began some preparatory work— supplies and we began some preparatory work on - supplies and we began some - preparatory work on intermediate facitities — preparatory work on intermediate facilities in — preparatory work on intermediate facilities in qatar— preparatory work on intermediate facilities in qatar with _ preparatory work on intermediate facilities in qatar with support - preparatory work on intermediate facilities in qatar with support ofi facilities in qatar with support of our gracious _ facilities in qatar with support of our gracious host _ facilities in qatar with support of our gracious host nation. - facilities in qatar with support of our gracious host nation. wheni facilities in qatar with support of. our gracious host nation. when the evacuation — our gracious host nation. when the evacuation was _ our gracious host nation. when the evacuation was formally _ our gracious host nation. when the evacuation was formally directed . our gracious host nation. when the| evacuation was formally directed on august— evacuation was formally directed on august the — evacuation was formally directed on august the 14th, _ evacuation was formally directed on august the 14th, we _ evacuation was formally directed on august the 14th, we began - evacuation was formally directed on august the 14th, we began to - evacuation was formally directed on august the 14th, we began to carryi august the 14th, we began to carry out our— august the 14th, we began to carry out our plan — august the 14th, we began to carry out our plan based _ august the 14th, we began to carry out our plan based upon _ august the 14th, we began to carry out our plan based upon the - august the 14th, we began to carry out our plan based upon the initial| out our plan based upon the initial assumption— out our plan based upon the initial assumption that _ out our plan based upon the initial assumption that the _ out our plan based upon the initial assumption that the afghan - out our plan based upon the initial. assumption that the afghan security forces _ assumption that the afghan security forces woutd — assumption that the afghan security forces would be _ assumption that the afghan security forces would be a _ assumption that the afghan security forces would be a willing _ assumption that the afghan security forces would be a willing and - assumption that the afghan security forces would be a willing and able . forces would be a willing and able security— forces would be a willing and able security partner _ forces would be a willing and able security partner in _ forces would be a willing and able security partner in kabul. - forces would be a willing and able . security partner in kabul. defending the capitat— security partner in kabul. defending the capital for— security partner in kabul. defending the capital for a _ security partner in kabul. defending the capital for a matter— security partner in kabul. defending the capital for a matter of— security partner in kabul. defending the capital for a matter of weeks - security partner in kabul. defending the capital for a matter of weeks or| the capital for a matter of weeks or at least _ the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for— the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for a — the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for a few— the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for a few days. _ the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for a few days. within - the capital for a matter of weeks or at least for a few days. within 24 l at least for a few days. within 24 hours. _ at least for a few days. within 24 hours. of— at least for a few days. within 24 hours, of course, _ at least for a few days. within 24 hours, of course, the _ at least for a few days. within 24 hours, of course, the afghan - hours, of course, the afghan military— hours, of course, the afghan military collapse _ hours, of course, the afghan| military collapse completely, opening _ military collapse completely, opening kabut— military collapse completely, opening kabul up— military collapse completely, opening kabul up to - military collapse completely, opening kabul up to the - military collapse completely, - opening kabul up to the taliban's advance~ — opening kabul up to the taliban's advance~ 0n— opening kabul up to the taliban's advance. on august _ opening kabul up to the taliban's advance. on august the - opening kabul up to the taliban's advance. on august the 15th, - opening kabul up to the taliban's advance. on august the 15th, in i opening kabul up to the taliban's| advance. on august the 15th, in a meeting — advance. on august the 15th, in a meeting with _ advance. on august the 15th, in a meeting with taliban _ advance. on august the 15th, in a meeting with taliban senior - meeting with taliban senior leadership— meeting with taliban senior leadership in— meeting with taliban senior leadership in doha, - meeting with taliban senior leadership in doha, i- meeting with taliban senior i leadership in doha, i delivered meeting with taliban senior - leadership in doha, i delivered a message — leadership in doha, i delivered a message on— leadership in doha, i delivered a message on behalf— leadership in doha, i delivered a message on behalf of— leadership in doha, i delivered a message on behalf of the - leadership in doha, i delivered a i message on behalf of the president that our— message on behalf of the president that our mission _ message on behalf of the president that our mission in— message on behalf of the president that our mission in kabul— message on behalf of the president that our mission in kabul was- message on behalf of the president that our mission in kabul was now. that our mission in kabul was now the evacuation _ that our mission in kabul was now the evacuation of _ that our mission in kabul was now the evacuation of americans - that our mission in kabul was now the evacuation of americans and i that our mission in kabul was now. the evacuation of americans and our partners _ the evacuation of americans and our partners that — the evacuation of americans and our partners that we _ the evacuation of americans and our partners that we would _ the evacuation of americans and our partners that we would not - the evacuation of americans and our partners that we would not tolerate i partners that we would not tolerate interference — partners that we would not tolerate interference and _ partners that we would not tolerate interference and that _ partners that we would not tolerate interference and that we _ partners that we would not tolerate interference and that we would - interference and that we would forcefuttv — interference and that we would forcefully defend _ interference and that we would forcefully defend our _ interference and that we would forcefully defend our forces - interference and that we wouldi forcefully defend our forces and interference and that we would - forcefully defend our forces and the evacuees _ forcefully defend our forces and the evacuees are — forcefully defend our forces and the evacuees are necessary. _ forcefully defend our forces and the evacuees are necessary. the - evacuees are necessary. the tatiban's— evacuees are necessary. the taliban's response _ evacuees are necessary. the taliban's response in - evacuees are necessary. the taliban's response in that. evacuees are necessary. the - taliban's response in that meeting was in _ taliban's response in that meeting was in level— taliban's response in that meeting was in level but _ taliban's response in that meeting was in level but they _ taliban's response in that meeting was in level but they have - taliban's response in that meeting was in level but they have said - was in level but they have said pubtictv — was in level but they have said publicly. white _ was in level but they have said publicly. while they— was in level but they have said publicly. while they stated - was in level but they have said i publicly. while they stated their intent _ publicly. while they stated their intent to — publicly. while they stated their intent to occupy— publicly. while they stated their intent to occupy kabul- publicly. while they stated their intent to occupy kabul the -

publicly. while they stated their intent to occupy kabul the alsoi intent to occupy kabul the also offered — intent to occupy kabul the also offered to _ intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work— intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work with _ intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work with us - intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work with us on - intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work with us on a i intent to occupy kabul the also offered to work with us on a di offered to work with us on a d confliction— offered to work with us on a d confliction mechanism - offered to work with us on a d confliction mechanism to - offered to work with us on a d i confliction mechanism to prevent miscalculation _ confliction mechanism to prevent miscalculation while _ confliction mechanism to prevent miscalculation while our - confliction mechanism to prevent miscalculation while our forces . miscalculation while our forces operated — miscalculation while our forces operated in_ miscalculation while our forces operated in close _ miscalculation while our forces operated in close quarters. - miscalculation while our forces . operated in close quarters. finally they promise _ operated in close quarters. finally they promise not _ operated in close quarters. finally they promise not to _ operated in close quarters. finally they promise not to interfere - operated in close quarters. finally they promise not to interfere with| they promise not to interfere with our withdrawal. _ they promise not to interfere with our withdrawal. it _ they promise not to interfere with our withdrawal. it is _ they promise not to interfere with our withdrawal. it is important - they promise not to interfere with our withdrawal. it is important to| our withdrawal. it is important to understand — our withdrawal. it is important to understand that _ our withdrawal. it is important to understand that within _ our withdrawal. it is important to understand that within 48 - our withdrawal. it is important to understand that within 48 hoursi our withdrawal. it is important to. understand that within 48 hours of the execution _ understand that within 48 hours of the execution order, _ understand that within 48 hours of the execution order, the _ understand that within 48 hours of the execution order, the facts- understand that within 48 hours of the execution order, the facts in. the execution order, the facts in the execution order, the facts in the grand — the execution order, the facts in the grand had _ the execution order, the facts in the grand had changed - the execution order, the facts in the grand had changed and - the execution order, the facts in the grand had changed and we l the grand had changed and we had .one the grand had changed and we had gone from — the grand had changed and we had gone from cooperating _ the grand had changed and we had gone from cooperating on- gone from cooperating on security with a _ gone from cooperating on security with a tong — gone from cooperating on security with a tong time _ gone from cooperating on security with a long time partner— gone from cooperating on security with a long time partner and - gone from cooperating on security with a long time partner and i- gone from cooperating on security with a long time partner and i like| with a long time partner and i like to initiating — with a long time partner and i like to initiating a _ with a long time partner and i like to initiating a pragmatic— to initiating a pragmatic relationship _ to initiating a pragmatic relationship of- to initiating a pragmatic| relationship of necessity to initiating a pragmatic- relationship of necessity with a lon- relationship of necessity with a tong enemy~ _ relationship of necessity with a tong enemy~ and _ relationship of necessity with a long enemy. and in— relationship of necessity with a long enemy. and in that - relationship of necessity with a - long enemy. and in that environment we were _ long enemy. and in that environment we were able — long enemy. and in that environment we were able to — long enemy. and in that environment we were able to bring _ long enemy. and in that environment we were able to bring greater- we were able to bring greater generat— we were able to bring greater general of— we were able to bring greater general of the _ we were able to bring greater general of the marines - we were able to bring greater general of the marines and i we were able to bring greater- general of the marines and severely major— general of the marines and severely major generat— general of the marines and severely major general chris _ general of the marines and severely major general chris donahue - general of the marines and severely major general chris donahue of- general of the marines and severely major general chris donahue of the| major general chris donahue of the army— major general chris donahue of the army to— major general chris donahue of the army to deploy _ major general chris donahue of the army to deploy and _ major general chris donahue of the army to deploy and employ - major general chris donahue of the army to deploy and employ their. army to deploy and employ their forces _ army to deploy and employ their forces and — army to deploy and employ their forces and did _ army to deploy and employ their forces and did extraordinary- army to deploy and employ their| forces and did extraordinary work with leading _ forces and did extraordinary work with leading elements _ forces and did extraordinary work with leading elements of- forces and did extraordinary work with leading elements of our- with leading elements of our reinforcement _ with leading elements of our reinforcement package - with leading elements of our reinforcement package to i with leading elements of our. reinforcement package to safely closing — reinforcement package to safely closing embassy _ reinforcement package to safely closing embassy in _ reinforcement package to safely closing embassy in one - reinforcement package to safely closing embassy in one peer- reinforcement package to safely closing embassy in one peer toi closing embassy in one peer to darkness— closing embassy in one peer to darkness or— closing embassy in one peer to darkness or one _ closing embassy in one peer to darkness or one evening - closing embassy in one peer to darkness or one evening to - closing embassy in one peer to- darkness or one evening to establish a deacon _ darkness or one evening to establish a deacon flexion _ darkness or one evening to establish a deacon flexion mechanism - darkness or one evening to establish a deacon flexion mechanism of- darkness or one evening to establish a deacon flexion mechanism of the i a deacon flexion mechanism of the tatihan— a deacon flexion mechanism of the taliban to — a deacon flexion mechanism of the taliban to establish _ a deacon flexion mechanism of the taliban to establish security- a deacon flexion mechanism of the taliban to establish security at - a deacon flexion mechanism of the taliban to establish security at the| taliban to establish security at the airport— taliban to establish security at the airport and — taliban to establish security at the airport and to _ taliban to establish security at the airport and to bring _ taliban to establish security at the airport and to bring the _ taliban to establish security at the airport and to bring the rest - taliban to establish security at the airport and to bring the rest of- taliban to establish security at the airport and to bring the rest of our reinforcements— airport and to bring the rest of our reinforcements into _ airport and to bring the rest of our reinforcements into the _ airport and to bring the rest of our reinforcements into the airport. i reinforcements into the airport. they— reinforcements into the airport. they accomplish _ reinforcements into the airport. they accomplish is _ reinforcements into the airport. they accomplish is difficult - reinforcements into the airport. they accomplish is difficult listi reinforcements into the airport. i they accomplish is difficult list of

tasks _ they accomplish is difficult list of tasks within — they accomplish is difficult list of tasks within 48 _ they accomplish is difficult list of tasks within 48 hours _ they accomplish is difficult list of tasks within 48 hours of- they accomplish is difficult list of l tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer— tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer of — tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer of the _ tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer of the embassy- tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer of the embassy to - tasks within 48 hours of supporting a transfer of the embassy to the i a transfer of the embassy to the airport — a transfer of the embassy to the airport i— a transfer of the embassy to the airport. i visited _ a transfer of the embassy to the airport. ivisited kabul— a transfer of the embassy to the airport. i visited kabul on - a transfer of the embassy to the i airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th— airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th to — airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th to see _ airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th to see the _ airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th to see the work— airport. i visited kabul on tuesday the 17th to see the work being - airport. i visited kabul on tuesday. the 17th to see the work being done to establish — the 17th to see the work being done to establish security _ the 17th to see the work being done to establish security first—hand - the 17th to see the work being done to establish security first—hand and| to establish security first—hand and to establish security first—hand and to observe — to establish security first—hand and to observe the _ to establish security first—hand and to observe the transition _ to establish security first—hand and to observe the transition to - to establish security first—hand and to observe the transition to the - to observe the transition to the evacuation _ to observe the transition to the evacuation i_ to observe the transition to the evacuation. i left— to observe the transition to the evacuation. i left on— to observe the transition to the evacuation. i left on a - to observe the transition to the evacuation. i left on a c—17 - to observe the transition to the evacuation. i left on a c—17 that brought— evacuation. i left on a c—17 that brought more _ evacuation. i left on a c—17 that brought more than— evacuation. i left on a c—17 that brought more than 130 - evacuation. i left on a c—17thatj brought more than 130 afghans evacuation. i left on a c—17 that - brought more than 130 afghans and american _ brought more than 130 afghans and american citizens— brought more than 130 afghans and american citizens out _ brought more than 130 afghans and american citizens out from - brought more than 130 afghans and american citizens out from the - american citizens out from the airport— american citizens out from the airport to _ american citizens out from the airport to the _ american citizens out from the airport to the airbase - american citizens out from the airport to the airbase in - american citizens out from the airport to the airbase in qatar. american citizens out from the - airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men _ airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and _ airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and women _ airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and women on _ airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and women on the _ airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and women on the ground - airport to the airbase in qatar. 0ur men and women on the ground ofi airport to the airbase in qatar. our. men and women on the ground of the airport— men and women on the ground of the airport guicktv— men and women on the ground of the airport quickly embraced _ men and women on the ground of the airport quickly embraced of— men and women on the ground of the airport quickly embraced of the - airport quickly embraced of the dangerous— airport quickly embraced of the dangerous and _ airport quickly embraced of the dangerous and methodical - airport quickly embraced of the| dangerous and methodical work airport quickly embraced of the - dangerous and methodical work that defending _ dangerous and methodical work that defending the — dangerous and methodical work that defending the airport _ dangerous and methodical work that defending the airport while - defending the airport while conducting _ defending the airport while conducting the _ defending the airport while conducting the hand - defending the airport while conducting the hand to - defending the airport while i conducting the hand to hand screening _ conducting the hand to hand screening of— conducting the hand to hand screening of more _ conducting the hand to hand screening of more than- conducting the hand to hand - screening of more than 120,000 evacuees — screening of more than 120,000 evacuees from _ screening of more than 120,000 evacuees from six _ screening of more than 120,000 evacuees from six different - screening of more than 120,000| evacuees from six different entry points— evacuees from six different entry points into — evacuees from six different entry points into the _ evacuees from six different entry points into the airfield. _ evacuees from six different entry points into the airfield. we - evacuees from six different entry points into the airfield. we also i points into the airfield. we also conducted — points into the airfield. we also conducted three _ points into the airfield. we also conducted three separate - points into the airfield. we also - conducted three separate helicopter extractions— conducted three separate helicopter extractions of— conducted three separate helicopter extractions of three _ conducted three separate helicopter extractions of three distinct - conducted three separate helicopter extractions of three distinct groupsi extractions of three distinct groups of civilians. — extractions of three distinct groups of civilians, including _ extractions of three distinct groups of civilians, including at _ extractions of three distinct groups of civilians, including at least - extractions of three distinct groups of civilians, including at least 185. of civilians, including at least 185 american — of civilians, including at least 185 american citizens _ of civilians, including at least 185 american citizens who _ of civilians, including at least 185 american citizens who with - of civilians, including at least 185 american citizens who with our. american citizens who with our german— american citizens who with our german partners— american citizens who with our german partners 21 _ american citizens who with our german partners 21 german i american citizens who with our- german partners 21 german citizens. additionattv, — german partners 21 german citizens. additionattv, us— german partners 21 german citizens. additionally, us operations - german partners 21 german citizens. additionally, us operations forces i additionally, us operations forces reached _ additionally, us operations forces reached out — additionally, us operations forces reached out to— additionally, us operations forces reached out to help _ additionally, us operations forces reached out to help bring - additionally, us operations forces reached out to help bring in - additionally, us operations forces reached out to help bring in more| reached out to help bring in more than _

reached out to help bring in more than 1064— reached out to help bring in more than 1064 american— reached out to help bring in more than 1064 american citizens - reached out to help bring in more than 1064 american citizens and i reached out to help bring in more - than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as ids— than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as lbs or— than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as lbs or afghans _ than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as ids or afghans at _ than1064 american citizens and 2017 as ids or afghans at risk— than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as ids or afghans at risk and - than 1064 american citizens and 2017 as ids or afghans at risk and 120 - as ids or afghans at risk and 120 seven— as ids or afghans at risk and 120 seven thirds _ as ids or afghans at risk and 120 seven thirds country— as ids or afghans at risk and 120 seven thirds country nationals, i as ids or afghans at risk and 120 i seven thirds country nationals, all via phone — seven thirds country nationals, all via phone calls, _ seven thirds country nationals, all via phone calls, vectors _ seven thirds country nationals, all via phone calls, vectors and - via phone calls, vectors and escorting _ via phone calls, vectors and escorting we _ via phone calls, vectors and escorting. we evacuated . via phone calls, vectors and . escorting. we evacuated more via phone calls, vectors and - escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 _ escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 us— escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 us civilians _ escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 us civilians which _ escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 us civilians which we - escorting. we evacuated more than 6000 us civilians which we believe| 6000 us civilians which we believe represents— 6000 us civilians which we believe represents the _ 6000 us civilians which we believe represents the vast _ 6000 us civilians which we believe represents the vast majority- 6000 us civilians which we believe represents the vast majority of- represents the vast majority of those — represents the vast majority of those who _ represents the vast majority of those who wanted _ represents the vast majority of those who wanted to _ represents the vast majority of those who wanted to leave - represents the vast majority of those who wanted to leave at i represents the vast majority of. those who wanted to leave at this time _ those who wanted to leave at this time he — those who wanted to leave at this time he witt— those who wanted to leave at this time. he will be _ those who wanted to leave at this time. he will be difficult - those who wanted to leave at this time. he will be difficult to- time. he will be difficult to overestimate _ time. he will be difficult to overestimate the - time. he will be difficult to overestimate the number. time. he will be difficult toi overestimate the number of time. he will be difficult to- overestimate the number of unusual chattenges _ overestimate the number of unusual challenges in — overestimate the number of unusual challenges in completing _ overestimate the number of unusual challenges in completing the - overestimate the number of unusual l challenges in completing the demands that are _ challenges in completing the demands that are forces — challenges in completing the demands that are forces on _ challenges in completing the demands that are forces on the _ challenges in completing the demands that are forces on the ground - challenges in completing the demands that are forces on the ground have - that are forces on the ground have overcome — that are forces on the ground have overcome successfully. _ that are forces on the ground have overcome successfully. the - that are forces on the ground have overcome successfully. the red i that are forces on the ground have l overcome successfully. the red door forces _ overcome successfully. the red door forces bittertv — overcome successfully. the red door forces bitterly from _ overcome successfully. the red door forces bitterly from isis—k _ overcome successfully. the red door forces bitterly from isis—k was - overcome successfully. the red door forces bitterly from isis—k was very| forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and _ forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went — forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went to _ forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went to the _ forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went to the deaths - forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went to the deaths of- forces bitterly from isis—k was very real and went to the deaths of 13 i real and went to the deaths of 13 service _ real and went to the deaths of 13 service members— real and went to the deaths of 13 service members and _ real and went to the deaths of 13 service members and dozens - real and went to the deaths of 13 service members and dozens ofi service members and dozens of afghan citizens _ service members and dozens of afghan citizens i_ service members and dozens of afghan citizens i have — service members and dozens of afghan citizens. i have said _ service members and dozens of afghan citizens. i have said before _ service members and dozens of afghan citizens. i have said before that - service members and dozens of afghan citizens. i have said before that we - citizens. i have said before that we greatly— citizens. i have said before that we greatly appreciate _ citizens. i have said before that we greatly appreciate the _ citizens. i have said before that we greatly appreciate the reasons - citizens. i have said before that we greatly appreciate the reasons of. greatly appreciate the reasons of many _ greatly appreciate the reasons of many coatition _ greatly appreciate the reasons of many coalition partners - greatly appreciate the reasons of many coalition partners who - greatly appreciate the reasons of. many coalition partners who stood with us _ many coalition partners who stood with us on— many coalition partners who stood with us on the _ many coalition partners who stood with us on the rent _ many coalition partners who stood with us on the rent at _ many coalition partners who stood with us on the rent at the - many coalition partners who stood with us on the rent at the airport i with us on the rent at the airport and iti— with us on the rent at the airport and iii singte _ with us on the rent at the airport and i'll single one _ with us on the rent at the airport and i'll single one nation- with us on the rent at the airport and i'll single one nation at- and i'll single one nation at the minute — and i'll single one nation at the minute the _ and i'll single one nation at the minute. the norwegians, - and i'll single one nation at the minute. the norwegians, whoi minute. the norwegians, who maintained _ minute. the norwegians, who maintained their— minute. the norwegians, who maintained their hospital - minute. the norwegians, who maintained their hospital at l minute. the norwegians, who. maintained their hospital at the airport— maintained their hospital at the airport and _ maintained their hospital at the airport and who _ maintained their hospital at the airport and who were _ maintained their hospital at the airport and who were critical- maintained their hospital at the

airport and who were critical for the immediate _ airport and who were critical for the immediate care _ airport and who were critical for the immediate care of- airport and who were critical for the immediate care of our- airport and who were critical for- the immediate care of our wounded after the _ the immediate care of our wounded after the isis—k— the immediate care of our wounded after the isis—k attack. _ the immediate care of our wounded after the isis—k attack. even - the immediate care of our wounded after the isis—k attack. even after i after the isis—k attack. even after the attack— after the isis—k attack. even after the attack and _ after the isis—k attack. even after the attack and when _ after the isis—k attack. even after the attack and when they- after the isis—k attack. even after the attack and when they agree i the attack and when they agree to extend _ the attack and when they agree to extend the — the attack and when they agree to extend the presence _ the attack and when they agree to extend the presence of _ the attack and when they agree to extend the presence of their- extend the presence of their hospital— extend the presence of their hospital to _ extend the presence of their hospital to provide - extend the presence of their hospital to provide more - extend the presence of their- hospital to provide more coverage for us _ hospital to provide more coverage for us our— hospital to provide more coverage for us. our diplomats _ hospital to provide more coverage for us. our diplomats have - hospital to provide more coverage for us. our diplomats have also. hospital to provide more coverage i for us. our diplomats have also been with us— for us. our diplomats have also been with us in— for us. our diplomats have also been with us in kabul— for us. our diplomats have also been with us in kabul for— for us. our diplomats have also been with us in kabul for the _ with us in kabul for the beginning in their— with us in kabul for the beginning in their work— with us in kabul for the beginning in their work and _ with us in kabul for the beginning in their work and processing - with us in kabul for the beginning in their work and processing over| in their work and processing over 120,000 people _ in their work and processing over 120,000 people stands - in their work and processing over 120,000 people stands right- in their work and processing over i 120,000 people stands right beside that of— 120,000 people stands right beside that of the — 120,000 people stands right beside that of the military _ 120,000 people stands right beside that of the military partners. - 120,000 people stands right beside that of the military partners. we - that of the military partners. we were _ that of the military partners. we were a _ that of the military partners. we were a team _ that of the military partners. we were a team on _ that of the military partners. we were a team on the _ that of the military partners. we were a team on the ground. - that of the military partners. we were a team on the ground. as. that of the military partners. we were a team on the ground. as i close _ were a team on the ground. as i close my— were a team on the ground. as i close my remarks, _ were a team on the ground. as i close my remarks, i— were a team on the ground. as i close my remarks, i would - were a team on the ground. as i close my remarks, i would like i were a team on the ground. as ll close my remarks, i would like to offer _ close my remarks, i would like to offer my— close my remarks, i would like to offer my personal _ close my remarks, i would like to offer my personal appreciation i close my remarks, i would like to offer my personal appreciation toj offer my personal appreciation to the more — offer my personal appreciation to the more than _ offer my personal appreciation to the more than 800,000 - offer my personal appreciation to the more than 800,000 servicei the more than 800,000 service members — the more than 800,000 service members and _ the more than 800,000 service members and 25,000 _ the more than 800,000 service members and 25,000 civilians i the more than 800,000 service i members and 25,000 civilians who have served — members and 25,000 civilians who have served in _ members and 25,000 civilians who have served in afghanistan - members and 25,000 civilians who have served in afghanistan and - have served in afghanistan and pa rticuta rtv _ have served in afghanistan and particularly to _ have served in afghanistan and particularly to the _ have served in afghanistan and particularly to the families - have served in afghanistan and particularly to the families of l particularly to the families of those — particularly to the families of those whose _ particularly to the families of those whose loved _ particularly to the families of those whose loved ones - particularly to the families of| those whose loved ones have particularly to the families of - those whose loved ones have been lost or— those whose loved ones have been lost or wounded. _ those whose loved ones have been lost or wounded. your— those whose loved ones have been lost or wounded. your service - those whose loved ones have been lost or wounded. your service as l lost or wounded. your service as well as— lost or wounded. your service as well as that _ lost or wounded. your service as well as that of _ lost or wounded. your service as well as that of your— lost or wounded. your service as well as that of your comrades i lost or wounded. your service asi well as that of your comrades and members — well as that of your comrades and members of— well as that of your comrades and members of your— well as that of your comrades and members of your family - well as that of your comrades and members of your family will - well as that of your comrades and| members of your family will never well as that of your comrades and - members of your family will never be forgotten _ members of your family will never be forgotten mv— members of your family will never be forgotten. my heart _ members of your family will never be forgotten. my heart is— members of your family will never be forgotten. my heart is broken- members of your family will never be forgotten. my heart is broken over. forgotten. my heart is broken over the tosses— forgotten. my heart is broken over the tosses we _ forgotten. my heart is broken over the losses we sustained _ forgotten. my heart is broken over the losses we sustained three - forgotten. my heart is broken over| the losses we sustained three days a-o. the losses we sustained three days ago as— the losses we sustained three days ago as the — the losses we sustained three days ago as the poem _ the losses we sustained three days ago as the poem by— the losses we sustained three days ago. as the poem by lawrence - ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes. _ ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes. we _ ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes. we remember— ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes, we rememberthem. _ ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes, we rememberthem. the- ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes, we rememberthem. the last- ago. as the poem by lawrence meaning goes, we rememberthem. the last 18. goes, we rememberthem. the last 18 days have _ goes, we rememberthem. the last 18 days have been — goes, we rememberthem. the last 18 days have been challenging. _ goes, we rememberthem. the last 18 days have been challenging. americai days have been challenging. america to be proud _ days have been challenging. america to be proud of— days have been challenging. america to be proud of the _ days have been challenging. america to be proud of the men— days have been challenging. america to be proud of the men and - days have been challenging. americai to be proud of the men and women of the armed _ to be proud of the men and women of the armed forces _ to be proud of the men and women of the armed forces who _ to be proud of the men and women of the armed forces who met _ to be proud of the men and women of the armed forces who met these - the armed forces who met these challenges — the armed forces who met these challenges head—on. _ the armed forces who met these challenges head—on. i— the armed forces who met these challenges head—on. i am - the armed forces who met these challenges head—on. i am not- the armed forces who met these .

challenges head—on. i am not ready to take _ challenges head—on. i am not ready to take your— challenges head—on. i am not ready to take your questions. _ challenges head-on. i am not ready to take your questions.— to take your questions. thank you, general. let's _ to take your questions. thank you, general. let's start _ to take your questions. thank you, general. let's start with _ to take your questions. thank you, general. let's start with the - to take your questions. thank you, general. let's start with the ap - to take your questions. thank you, | general. let's start with the ap and i general. let's start with the ap and iwoutd _ general. let's start with the ap and iwoutd ask— general. let's start with the ap and i would ask you to limit your follow—ups so more people can get guestions — follow—ups so more people can get questions asked. go ahead. thank follow-ups so more people can get questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doinu questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doing this- — questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doing this. can _ questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doing this. can you _ questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doing this. can you give _ questions asked. go ahead. thank you for doing this. can you give us - for doing this. can you give us a sense of whether or not there were any american citizens or other civilians who were taken out on any of those last couple of it c—17 that flew out today? and can you give us a picture of what you saw with equipment and other things getting either destroyed or removed at the airport before they left? 50 either destroyed or removed at the airport before they left?— airport before they left? so no american _ airport before they left? so no american citizens _ airport before they left? so no american citizens came - airport before they left? so no american citizens came out. airport before they left? so no american citizens came out on airport before they left? so no - american citizens came out on the last witt— american citizens came out on the last will be — american citizens came out on the last will be called _ american citizens came out on the last will be called a _ american citizens came out on the last will be called a joint _ american citizens came out on the last will be called a joint tactical . last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, _ last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, the _ last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, the last— last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, the last five - last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, the last five jets . last will be called a joint tactical exfiltration, the last five jets to| exfiltration, the last five jets to lee _ exfiltration, the last five jets to lee we — exfiltration, the last five jets to lee. we maintain— exfiltration, the last five jets to lee. we maintain the _ exfiltration, the last five jets to lee. we maintain the ability. exfiltration, the last five jets to lee. we maintain the ability to| lee. we maintain the ability to bring _ lee. we maintain the ability to bring them _ lee. we maintain the ability to bring them in— lee. we maintain the ability to bring them in up _ lee. we maintain the ability to bring them in up until- lee. we maintain the ability to - bring them in up until immediately before _ bring them in up until immediately before departure _ bring them in up until immediately before departure but _ bring them in up until immediately before departure but we _ bring them in up until immediately before departure but we were - bring them in up until immediately before departure but we were noti before departure but we were not able to _ before departure but we were not able to bring _ before departure but we were not able to bring any— before departure but we were not able to bring any americans - before departure but we were not. able to bring any americans apples of that— able to bring any americans apples of that activity _ able to bring any americans apples of that activity into _ able to bring any americans apples

of that activity into probably- able to bring any americans apples of that activity into probably about | of that activity into probably about 12 hours _ of that activity into probably about 12 hours before _ of that activity into probably about 12 hours before our— of that activity into probably about 12 hours before our exit, - of that activity into probably about 12 hours before our exit, all- of that activity into probably about 12 hours before our exit, all we . 12 hours before our exit, all we continue — 12 hours before our exit, all we continue the _ 12 hours before our exit, all we continue the outreach - 12 hours before our exit, all we continue the outreach and - 12 hours before our exit, all wej continue the outreach and have 12 hours before our exit, all we - continue the outreach and have been prepared _ continue the outreach and have been prepared to — continue the outreach and have been prepared to bring _ continue the outreach and have been prepared to bring them _ continue the outreach and have been prepared to bring them on _ continue the outreach and have been prepared to bring them on until- continue the outreach and have been prepared to bring them on until the i prepared to bring them on until the last minute — prepared to bring them on until the last minute but— prepared to bring them on until the last minute but none _ prepared to bring them on until the last minute but none of— prepared to bring them on until the last minute but none of them - prepared to bring them on until thej last minute but none of them made it to the _ last minute but none of them made it to the airport — last minute but none of them made it to the airport and were _ last minute but none of them made it to the airport and were able - last minute but none of them made it to the airport and were able to - last minute but none of them made it to the airport and were able to be - to the airport and were able to be accommodated. _ to the airport and were able to be accommodated. we _ to the airport and were able to be accommodated. we brought- to the airport and were able to be | accommodated. we brought some to the airport and were able to be i accommodated. we brought some of to the airport and were able to be - accommodated. we brought some of it out and _ accommodated. we brought some of it out and we _ accommodated. we brought some of it out and we do — accommodated. we brought some of it out and we do militarise _ accommodated. we brought some of it out and we do militarise some - accommodated. we brought some of it out and we do militarise some of- accommodated. we brought some of it out and we do militarise some of it. i out and we do militarise some of it. let me _ out and we do militarise some of it. let me give — out and we do militarise some of it. let me give you _ out and we do militarise some of it. let me give you an— out and we do militarise some of it. let me give you an example - let me give you an example of something _ let me give you an example of something we _ let me give you an example of something we demilitarised. . let me give you an example of. something we demilitarised. you let me give you an example of- something we demilitarised. you are very much— something we demilitarised. you are very much aware _ something we demilitarised. you are very much aware of— something we demilitarised. you are very much aware of course _ something we demilitarised. you are very much aware of course of- something we demilitarised. you are very much aware of course of the - very much aware of course of the rocket _ very much aware of course of the rocket attack _ very much aware of course of the rocket attack that _ very much aware of course of the rocket attack that occurred - rocket attack that occurred yesterdav _ rocket attack that occurred yesterday where _ rocket attack that occurred yesterday where five - rocket attack that occurred i yesterday where five rockets rocket attack that occurred - yesterday where five rockets were fired at _ yesterday where five rockets were fired at the — yesterday where five rockets were fired at the airfield. _ yesterday where five rockets were fired at the airfield. our— yesterday where five rockets were fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrassi fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrass are very— fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrass are very effective _ fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrass are very effective in _ fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrass are very effective in engaging - fired at the airfield. 0ur seagrassj are very effective in engaging the two rockets — are very effective in engaging the two rockets to _ are very effective in engaging the two rockets to default _ are very effective in engaging the two rockets to default on - are very effective in engaging the two rockets to default on the - two rockets to default on the airfield — two rockets to default on the airfield and _ two rockets to default on the airfield and we _ two rockets to default on the airfield and we believe - two rockets to default on the airfield and we believe the i two rockets to default on the l airfield and we believe the kid two rockets to default on the - airfield and we believe the kid from doing _ airfield and we believe the kid from doing more — airfield and we believe the kid from doing more certificate _ airfield and we believe the kid from doing more certificate damage - airfield and we believe the kid from doing more certificate damage and| airfield and we believe the kid from i doing more certificate damage and we elected _ doing more certificate damage and we elected to— doing more certificate damage and we elected to keep — doing more certificate damage and we elected to keep those _ doing more certificate damage and we elected to keep those systems - doing more certificate damage and we elected to keep those systems and . elected to keep those systems and operation — elected to keep those systems and operation up — elected to keep those systems and operation up until— elected to keep those systems and operation up until the _ elected to keep those systems and operation up until the very - elected to keep those systems and operation up until the very last - operation up until the very last minute — operation up until the very last minute its— operation up until the very last minute it'sa_ operation up until the very last minute. it's a complex - operation up until the very last. minute. it's a complex procedure, operation up until the very last - minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex— minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex in— minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex in time _ minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex in time into _ minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex in time into the _ minute. it's a complex procedure, a complex in time into the procedure i complex in time into the procedure to write _ complex in time into the procedure to write and — complex in time into the procedure to write and the _ complex in time into the procedure to write and the systems _ complex in time into the procedure to write and the systems so - complex in time into the procedure to write and the systems so we - to write and the systems so we demilitarised _ to write and the systems so we demilitarised though— to write and the systems so we demilitarised though system i to write and the systems so we| demilitarised though system so to write and the systems so we - demilitarised though system so they will never— demilitarised though system so they will never be — demilitarised though system so they will never be used _ demilitarised though system so they will never be used again. _ demilitarised though system so they will never be used again. and - demilitarised though system so they will never be used again. and they. will never be used again. and they we felt _ will never be used again. and they we felt it— will never be used again. and they we felt it was _ will never be used again. and they we felt it was more _ will never be used again. and they we felt it was more important- we felt it was more important present— we felt it was more important present forces— we felt it was more important present forces and _ we felt it was more important present forces and to - we felt it was more important present forces and to bring i we felt it was more important- present forces and to bring those systems— present forces and to bring those systems back~ _ present forces and to bring those systems back. we've _ present forces and to bring those systems back. we've also - systems back. we've also demilitarised _ systems back. we've also demilitarised equipment. systems back. we've also . demilitarised equipment that systems back. we've also - demilitarised equipment that we systems back. we've also _ demilitarised equipment that we did not bring _ demilitarised equipment that we did not bring out —

demilitarised equipment that we did not bring out of— demilitarised equipment that we did not bring out of the _ demilitarised equipment that we did not bring out of the airport - demilitarised equipment that we did not bring out of the airport and - not bring out of the airport and also _ not bring out of the airport and also included _ not bring out of the airport and also included a _ not bring out of the airport and also included a number- not bring out of the airport and also included a number of- not bring out of the airport and| also included a number of them wraps. — also included a number of them wraps. up— also included a number of them wraps. up to _ also included a number of them wraps. up to 70— also included a number of them wraps, up to 70 that _ also included a number of them wraps, up to 70 that we - wraps, up to 70 that we demilitarised _ wraps, up to 70 that we demilitarised and - wraps, up to 70 that we demilitarised and will. wraps, up to 70 that we - demilitarised and will never be wraps, up to 70 that we _ demilitarised and will never be used again— demilitarised and will never be used again by— demilitarised and will never be used again by anyone _ demilitarised and will never be used again bvanvone in— demilitarised and will never be used again by anyone in up to— demilitarised and will never be used again by anyone in up to 27 - demilitarised and will never be used i again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical— again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical vehicles— again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical vehicles that _ again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical vehicles that will _ again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical vehicles that will never - again by anyone in up to 27 humvees, tactical vehicles that will never be - tactical vehicles that will never be driven— tactical vehicles that will never be driven again — tactical vehicles that will never be driven again and _ tactical vehicles that will never be driven again and additionally- tactical vehicles that will never be driven again and additionally a - tactical vehicles that will never be . driven again and additionally a ramp at the _ driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport — driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport for— driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport for a _ driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport for a total _ driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport for a total of - driven again and additionally a ramp at the airport for a total of 73 - at the airport for a total of 73 aircraft _ at the airport for a total of 73 aircraft. those _ at the airport for a total of 73 aircraft. those air, _ at the airport for a total of 73 aircraft. those air, never- at the airport for a total of 73 aircraft. those air, never flyi aircraft. those air, never fly again~ — aircraft. those air, never fly again they— aircraft. those air, never fly again. they will— aircraft. those air, never fly again. they will never- aircraft. those air, never fly again. they will never be i aircraft. those air, never fly i again. they will never be able aircraft. those air, never fly - again. they will never be able to be operated _ again. they will never be able to be operated by— again. they will never be able to be operated by anyone _ again. they will never be able to be operated by anyone and _ again. they will never be able to be operated by anyone and most - again. they will never be able to be operated by anyone and most will l again. they will never be able to be l operated by anyone and most will not mission capabte — operated by anyone and most will not mission capable to _ operated by anyone and most will not mission capable to begin— operated by anyone and most will not mission capable to begin with - operated by anyone and most will not mission capable to begin with but - mission capable to begin with but certainty— mission capable to begin with but certainly thev _ mission capable to begin with but certainly they will— mission capable to begin with but certainly they will never - mission capable to begin with but certainly they will never be - mission capable to begin with but certainly they will never be able l mission capable to begin with butl certainly they will never be able to be flown _ certainly they will never be able to be flown again~ _ certainly they will never be able to be flown again. thank _ certainly they will never be able to be flown again. thank you. - certainly they will never be able to be flown again. thank you. dagid i be flown again. thank you. david martin with _ be flown again. thank you. david martin with cbs. _ be flown again. thank you. david martin with cbs. was _ be flown again. thank you. david martin with cbs. was there - be flown again. thank you. david martin with cbs. was there any l martin with cbs. was there any attempt to interfere with the final flights out, either by the taliban or by isis—k grew any the group? and it americans at the end just vacates the premises or did they turn it over to the taliban? taste

the premises or did they turn it over to the taliban? we know that isis-k has worked _ over to the taliban? we know that isis-k has worked very, _ over to the taliban? we know that isis-k has worked very, very - over to the taliban? we know that isis-k has worked very, very hard| over to the taliban? we know that i isis-k has worked very, very hard to isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike _ isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike us— isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike us and — isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike us and continued _ isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike us and continued to— isis—k has worked very, very hard to strike us and continued to strike - strike us and continued to strike us. strike us and continued to strike us we — strike us and continued to strike us we feet— strike us and continued to strike us. we feel the _ strike us and continued to strike us. we feel the strike _ strike us and continued to strike us. we feel the strike we - strike us and continued to strike us. we feel the strike we took. us. we feel the strike we took yesterday— us. we feel the strike we took yesterday in _ us. we feel the strike we took yesterday in kabul— us. we feel the strike we took yesterday in kabul actually - us. we feel the strike we tookl yesterday in kabul actually was us. we feel the strike we took- yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive _ yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive to — yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive to their— yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive to their attack _ yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive to their attack plans - yesterday in kabul actually was very disruptive to their attack plans and| disruptive to their attack plans and to the _ disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss— disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss to _ disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss to write _ disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss to write and _ disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss to write and i- disruptive to their attack plans and to the boss to write and i think - to the boss to write and i think that— to the boss to write and i think that was— to the boss to write and i think that was one _ to the boss to write and i think that was one of _ to the boss to write and i think that was one of the _ to the boss to write and i think that was one of the certificatei that was one of the certificate reasons — that was one of the certificate reasons why _ that was one of the certificate reasons why they _ that was one of the certificate reasons why they were - that was one of the certificate reasons why they were not. that was one of the certificate i reasons why they were not able that was one of the certificate - reasons why they were not able to organise _ reasons why they were not able to organise themselves— reasons why they were not able to organise themselves and - reasons why they were not able to organise themselves and get - reasons why they were not able to organise themselves and get after reasons why they were not able to i organise themselves and get after us as we _ organise themselves and get after us as we tifted _ organise themselves and get after us as we tifted the — organise themselves and get after us as we lifted the final _ organise themselves and get after us as we lifted the final straw. - organise themselves and get after us as we lifted the final straw. i- organise themselves and get after us as we lifted the final straw. i will- as we lifted the final straw. i will tell you — as we lifted the final straw. i will tell you the _ as we lifted the final straw. i will tell you the taliban _ as we lifted the final straw. i will tell you the taliban have - as we lifted the final straw. i will tell you the taliban have been i as we lifted the final straw. i will. tell you the taliban have been very pragmatic— tell you the taliban have been very pragmatic and _ tell you the taliban have been very pragmatic and very _ tell you the taliban have been very pragmatic and very businesslike i tell you the taliban have been very pragmatic and very businesslike asj pragmatic and very businesslike as we have _ pragmatic and very businesslike as we have approached _ pragmatic and very businesslike as we have approached this _ pragmatic and very businesslike as l we have approached this withdrawal. we did _ we have approached this withdrawal. we did not— we have approached this withdrawal. we did not turn— we have approached this withdrawal. we did not turn it _ we have approached this withdrawal. we did not turn it over— we have approached this withdrawal. we did not turn it over to _ we have approached this withdrawal. we did not turn it over to the - we did not turn it over to the taliban _ we did not turn it over to the taliban. general— we did not turn it over to the taliban. general donahue, . we did not turn it over to the . taliban. general donahue, won we did not turn it over to the - taliban. general donahue, won the last thing _ taliban. general donahue, won the last thing to — taliban. general donahue, won the last thing to do _ taliban. general donahue, won the last thing to do before _ taliban. general donahue, won the last thing to do before leaving - taliban. general donahue, won the last thing to do before leaving was| last thing to do before leaving was taught— last thing to do before leaving was taught to — last thing to do before leaving was taught to the — last thing to do before leaving was taught to the taliban _ last thing to do before leaving was taught to the taliban commanderi last thing to do before leaving was i taught to the taliban commander the tiguidating _ taught to the taliban commander the tiguidating with. _ taught to the taliban commander the liquidating with, as _ taught to the taliban commander the liquidating with, as soon _ taught to the taliban commander the liquidating with, as soon as - taught to the taliban commander the liquidating with, as soon as the - liquidating with, as soon as the time _ liquidating with, as soon as the time we — liquidating with, as soon as the time we were _ liquidating with, as soon as the time we were going _ liquidating with, as soon as the time we were going to- liquidating with, as soon as the time we were going to lee - liquidating with, as soon as the time we were going to lee to. liquidating with, as soon as the. time we were going to lee to let them _ time we were going to lee to let them know— time we were going to lee to let them know we _ time we were going to lee to let them know we were _ time we were going to lee to let them know we were leaving. - time we were going to lee to letj them know we were leaving. but there was no _ them know we were leaving. but there was no discussion— them know we were leaving. but there was no discussion of— them know we were leaving. but there was no discussion of turning _ was no discussion of turning anvthing _ was no discussion of turning anything over— was no discussion of turning anything over of— was no discussion of turning anything over of that - was no discussion of turning anything over of that at - was no discussion of turning anything over of that at all. i anything over of that at all. jennifer— anything over of that at all. jennifer griffin _ anything over of that at all. jennifer griffin from - anything over of that at all. jennifer griffin from fox - anything over of that at all. - jennifer griffin from fox news. if i could just heavy reflect personally after 20 years of war, you have served there, you have now watched the last troops leave, you've lost

troops in recent days, how did it feel? afghanistan to the very group that you over 20 years ago, the taliban? this that you over 20 years ago, the taliban? �* . that you over 20 years ago, the taliban? ~ , ,., ., that you over 20 years ago, the taliban? ~ , ., , , taliban? as i sort of sit in my remarks. _ taliban? as i sort of sit in my remarks. as _ taliban? as i sort of sit in my remarks, as you _ taliban? as i sort of sit in my remarks, as you know, - taliban? as i sort of sit in my remarks, as you know, i- taliban? as i sort of sit in myj remarks, as you know, i have taliban? as i sort of sit in my - remarks, as you know, i have been there _ remarks, as you know, i have been there a _ remarks, as you know, i have been there a couple _ remarks, as you know, i have been there a couple of— remarks, as you know, i have been there a couple of times _ remarks, as you know, i have been there a couple of times my- remarks, as you know, i have been there a couple of times my son - there a couple of times my son is been _ there a couple of times my son is been there — there a couple of times my son is been there a _ there a couple of times my son is been there a couple _ there a couple of times my son is been there a couple of— there a couple of times my son is been there a couple of times. - there a couple of times my son is been there a couple of times. sol been there a couple of times. so is very confticting _ been there a couple of times. so is very conflicting actually _ been there a couple of times. so is very conflicting actually but - been there a couple of times. so is very conflicting actually but i - very conflicting actually but i would — very conflicting actually but i would tell— very conflicting actually but i would tell you _ very conflicting actually but i would tell you i _ very conflicting actually but i would tell you i was - very conflicting actually but i would tell you i was pretty. very conflicting actually but i - would tell you i was pretty much focus _ would tell you i was pretty much focus on — would tell you i was pretty much focus on the _ would tell you i was pretty much focus on the task— would tell you i was pretty much focus on the task and. _ would tell you i was pretty much focus on the task and. i - would tell you i was pretty much focus on the task and. i will - would tell you i was pretty much| focus on the task and. i will have days— focus on the task and. i will have days ahead — focus on the task and. i will have days ahead to _ focus on the task and. i will have days ahead to ask _ focus on the task and. i will have days ahead to ask a _ focus on the task and. i will have days ahead to ask a thing - focus on the task and. i will have days ahead to ask a thing about. days ahead to ask a thing about that, _ days ahead to ask a thing about that, there _ days ahead to ask a thing about that, there is _ days ahead to ask a thing about that, there isjust_ days ahead to ask a thing about that, there isjust so— days ahead to ask a thing about that, there isjust so much- days ahead to ask a thing abouti that, there isjust so much going days ahead to ask a thing about - that, there isjust so much going on and we _ that, there isjust so much going on and we are — that, there isjust so much going on and we are focused _ that, there isjust so much going on and we are focused bluntly- that, there isjust so much going on and we are focused bluntly on - and we are focused bluntly on getting — and we are focused bluntly on getting our— and we are focused bluntly on getting our troops— and we are focused bluntly on getting our troops out - and we are focused bluntly on getting our troops out and - and we are focused bluntly on| getting our troops out and the before — getting our troops out and the before getting _ getting our troops out and the before getting our— getting our troops out and the before getting our citizens- getting our troops out and the before getting our citizens out getting our troops out and the - before getting our citizens out and multiple _ before getting our citizens out and multiple afghans _ before getting our citizens out and multiple afghans to _ before getting our citizens out and multiple afghans to the _ before getting our citizens out and multiple afghans to the best - before getting our citizens out and multiple afghans to the best of. before getting our citizens out and| multiple afghans to the best of our ability— multiple afghans to the best of our ability that— multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i— multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did — multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did not _ multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did not have _ multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did not have a - multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did not have a lot - multiple afghans to the best of our ability that i did not have a lot of. ability that i did not have a lot of time _ ability that i did not have a lot of time for— ability that i did not have a lot of time for reflection. _ ability that i did not have a lot of time for reflection. i'm - ability that i did not have a lot of time for reflection. i'm sure - ability that i did not have a lot of time for reflection. i'm sure i- time for reflection. i'm sure i would do _ time for reflection. i'm sure i would do that _ time for reflection. i'm sure i would do that in _ time for reflection. i'm sure i would do that in the - time for reflection. i'm sure i would do that in the future i time for reflection. i'm sure i. would do that in the future but right— would do that in the future but right now— would do that in the future but right now i _ would do that in the future but right now i am _ would do that in the future but right now i am pretty- would do that in the future but right now i am pretty much- would do that in the future but - right now i am pretty much consumed with the _ right now i am pretty much consumed with the operational— right now i am pretty much consumed with the operational task _ right now i am pretty much consumed with the operational task and. - right now i am pretty much consumed with the operational task and. that i with the operational task and. that is a good _ with the operational task and. that is a good question _ with the operational task and. that is a good question al _ with the operational task and. that is a good question al thing - with the operational task and. that is a good question al thing about . is a good question al thing about that in_ is a good question al thing about that in the — is a good question al thing about that in the days _ is a good question al thing about that in the days ahead. - is a good question al thing about that in the days ahead.- is a good question al thing about that in the days ahead. message to americans and _ that in the days ahead. message to americans and african _ that in the days ahead. message to americans and african allies - that in the days ahead. message to americans and african allies who i americans and african allies who were left behind? the americans and african allies who were left behind?— americans and african allies who were left behind? the military phase of this operation _ were left behind? the military phase of this operation has _ were left behind? the military phase of this operation has ended. - were left behind? the military phase of this operation has ended. the -

of this operation has ended. the diplomatic— of this operation has ended. the diplomatic sequel— of this operation has ended. the diplomatic sequel to— of this operation has ended. the diplomatic sequel to that - of this operation has ended. the diplomatic sequel to that will . of this operation has ended. the. diplomatic sequel to that will now hegih _ diplomatic sequel to that will now hegih and — diplomatic sequel to that will now hegih and i— diplomatic sequel to that will now begin. and i believe _ diplomatic sequel to that will now begin. and i believe our- diplomatic sequel to that will now. begin. and i believe our department of state _ begin. and i believe our department of state will — begin. and i believe our department of state will work _ begin. and i believe our department of state will work very— begin. and i believe our department of state will work very hard - begin. and i believe our department of state will work very hard to - of state will work very hard to allow — of state will work very hard to allow any _ of state will work very hard to allow any american _ of state will work very hard to allow any american citizens i of state will work very hard to . allow any american citizens that were _ allow any american citizens that were left — allow any american citizens that were left and _ allow any american citizens that were left and we _ allow any american citizens that were left and we think - allow any american citizens that were left and we think citizens l allow any american citizens that i were left and we think citizens that were left and we think citizens that were hot— were left and we think citizens that were not brought _ were left and we think citizens that were not brought out _ number in the low or very low hundreds _ number in the low or very low hundreds i_ number in the low or very low hundreds. i believe _ number in the low or very low hundreds. i believe we - number in the low or very low hundreds. i believe we are . number in the low or very low i hundreds. i believe we are going number in the low or very low - hundreds. i believe we are going to -et hundreds. i believe we are going to get people — hundreds. i believe we are going to get people out— hundreds. i believe we are going to get people out and _ hundreds. i believe we are going to get people out and will— hundreds. i believe we are going to get people out and will negotiate . get people out and will negotiate very hard — get people out and will negotiate very hard and _ get people out and will negotiate very hard and aggressively - get people out and will negotiate very hard and aggressively to - get people out and will negotiate very hard and aggressively to get our other— very hard and aggressively to get our otherafghan_ very hard and aggressively to get our other afghan partners - very hard and aggressively to get our other afghan partners out. i very hard and aggressively to get i our other afghan partners out. the military— our other afghan partners out. the military phase _ our other afghan partners out. the military phase is_ our other afghan partners out. the military phase is over— our other afghan partners out. the military phase is over but - our other afghan partners out. the military phase is over but our- military phase is over but our desire — military phase is over but our desire to _ military phase is over but our desire to bring _ military phase is over but our desire to bring people - military phase is over but our desire to bring people out- military phase is over but our- desire to bring people out remains as intense — desire to bring people out remains as intense as — desire to bring people out remains as intense as it— desire to bring people out remains as intense as it was— desire to bring people out remains as intense as it was before - desire to bring people out remains as intense as it was before the - as intense as it was before the weapons — as intense as it was before the weapons have _ as intense as it was before the weapons have now— as intense as it was before the weapons have now shifted - as intense as it was before the l weapons have now shifted from as intense as it was before the - weapons have now shifted from the military— weapons have now shifted from the military reatm — weapons have now shifted from the military realm to _ weapons have now shifted from the military realm to the _ weapons have now shifted from the military realm to the diplomatic - military realm to the diplomatic reatm _ military realm to the diplomatic reatm at— military realm to the diplomatic reatm at the _ military realm to the diplomatic realm at the department - military realm to the diplomatic realm at the department of - military realm to the diplomatic i realm at the department of state would _ realm at the department of state would now — realm at the department of state would now take _ realm at the department of state would now take the _ realm at the department of state would now take the lead - realm at the department of state would now take the lead on - realm at the department of state would now take the lead on that. | realm at the department of state - would now take the lead on that. tan would now take the lead on that. can ou clari would now take the lead on that. you clarify a couple of points? can you tell semi people were on that final c—i7 flight? kenny let fly headed? and kenny tell that general donahue mitchell spoke to his taliban counterparts or can you give us a sense of what role they played from a security perspective to allow the us at the park kabul safely? i

the us at the park kabul safely? i will not be able to answer those first two — will not be able to answer those first two questions _ will not be able to answer those first two questions because - will not be able to answer those first two questions because of l will not be able to answer those l first two questions because of the operations— first two questions because of the operations are _ first two questions because of the operations are still— first two questions because of the operations are still concluding - first two questions because of the l operations are still concluding with the exact— operations are still concluding with the exact position _ operations are still concluding with the exact position of— operations are still concluding with the exact position of our— operations are still concluding with the exact position of our forces - the exact position of our forces there _ the exact position of our forces there but— the exact position of our forces there but i_ the exact position of our forces there but i will— the exact position of our forces there but i will take _ the exact position of our forces there but i will take about - the exact position of our forcesi there but i will take about what the taliban _ there but i will take about what the taliban is— there but i will take about what the taliban is done. _ there but i will take about what the taliban is done. they— there but i will take about what the taliban is done. they estimate - taliban is done. they estimate different— taliban is done. they estimate different perimeter— taliban is done. they estimate different perimeter outside - taliban is done. they estimate different perimeter outside of| taliban is done. they estimate i different perimeter outside of the airfield _ different perimeter outside of the airfield to — different perimeter outside of the airfield to prevent _ different perimeter outside of the airfield to prevent people - different perimeter outside of the airfield to prevent people from i airfield to prevent people from coming — airfield to prevent people from coming on _ airfield to prevent people from coming on the _ airfield to prevent people from coming on the airfield - airfield to prevent people from coming on the airfield during l airfield to prevent people from l coming on the airfield during our departure — coming on the airfield during our departure and _ coming on the airfield during our departure and we _ coming on the airfield during our departure and we worked - coming on the airfield during our departure and we worked that i coming on the airfield during our. departure and we worked that with different— departure and we worked that with different number— departure and we worked that with different number of— departure and we worked that with different number of days _ departure and we worked that with different number of days and - departure and we worked that with different number of days and theyi different number of days and they did not— different number of days and they did not have — different number of days and they did not have direct— different number of days and they did not have direct knowledge - different number of days and they did not have direct knowledge of. different number of days and they. did not have direct knowledge of our time of— did not have direct knowledge of our time of departure _ did not have direct knowledge of our time of departure as _ did not have direct knowledge of our time of departure as we _ did not have direct knowledge of our time of departure as we chose - did not have direct knowledge of our time of departure as we chose to - time of departure as we chose to keep that — time of departure as we chose to keep that very— time of departure as we chose to keep that very restricted. - time of departure as we chose to keep that very restricted. but - time of departure as we chose to i keep that very restricted. but they were actually— keep that very restricted. but they were actually very _ keep that very restricted. but they were actually very helpful- keep that very restricted. but they were actually very helpful and - were actually very helpful and useful— were actually very helpful and useful to _ were actually very helpful and useful to us _ were actually very helpful and useful to us as _ were actually very helpful and useful to us as we _ were actually very helpful and useful to us as we closed - were actually very helpful and i useful to us as we closed down operations _ useful to us as we closed down operations i— useful to us as we closed down operations— operations. i want to go to the hones. operations. i want to go to the phones- dan- _ operations. i want to go to the phones. dan. thanks - operations. i want to go to the phones. dan. thanks for - operations. i want to go to the | phones. dan. thanks for calling operations. i want to go to the - phones. dan. thanks for calling on me. can phones. dan. thanks for calling on me- can you _ phones. dan. thanks for calling on me- can you give _ phones. dan. thanks for calling on me. can you give us _ phones. dan. thanks for calling on me. can you give us a _ phones. dan. thanks for calling on me. can you give us a deeper- phones. dan. thanks for calling on | me. can you give us a deeper level of detail about what this last they looked like in terms of number of flights and people you had on the ground to start with? you might have been on that last plane regulates near leaders? and had us all played out? thanks. near leaders? and had us all played out? thanks— out? thanks. let's begin with the

backend. out? thanks. let's begin with the backend- on _ out? thanks. let's begin with the backend. on the _ out? thanks. let's begin with the backend. on the last _ out? thanks. let's begin with the backend. on the last plane - out? thanks. let's begin with the backend. on the last plane out i backend. 0n the last plane out was generat— backend. 0n the last plane out was generat chris — backend. 0n the last plane out was general chris donahue _ backend. 0n the last plane out was general chris donahue commander| general chris donahue commander of the 82nd _ general chris donahue commander of the 82nd airborne _ general chris donahue commander of the 82nd airborne division _ general chris donahue commander of the 82nd airborne division in - general chris donahue commander of the 82nd airborne division in my- the 82nd airborne division in my ground _ the 82nd airborne division in my ground force _ the 82nd airborne division in my ground force commander- the 82nd airborne division in my ground force commander there i the 82nd airborne division in my. ground force commander there and the 82nd airborne division in my- ground force commander there and he was accompanied _ ground force commander there and he was accompanied by _ ground force commander there and he was accompanied by our _ ground force commander there and he was accompanied by our charge - ground force commander there and hei was accompanied by our charge a, and ross witson— was accompanied by our charge a, and ross wilson to — was accompanied by our charge a, and ross wilson to look _ was accompanied by our charge a, and ross wilson to look them _ was accompanied by our charge a, and ross wilson to look them out - ross wilson to look them out together _ ross wilson to look them out together in— ross wilson to look them out together in the _ ross wilson to look them out together in the state - ross wilson to look them out together in the state into - ross wilson to look them out together in the state into fist| ross wilson to look them out - together in the state into fist and on the _ together in the state into fist and on the last— together in the state into fist and on the last aircraft _ together in the state into fist and on the last aircraft and _ together in the state into fist and on the last aircraft and were - together in the state into fist and on the last aircraft and were in i on the last aircraft and were in fact the — on the last aircraft and were in fact the less _ on the last aircraft and were in fact the less able _ on the last aircraft and were in fact the less able to _ on the last aircraft and were in fact the less able to stand - on the last aircraft and were in fact the less able to stand on i on the last aircraft and were in . fact the less able to stand on the ground _ fact the less able to stand on the ground and — fact the less able to stand on the ground and get— fact the less able to stand on the ground and get on— fact the less able to stand on the ground and get on the _ fact the less able to stand on the | ground and get on the aeroplane. what _ ground and get on the aeroplane. what is _ ground and get on the aeroplane. what is happened _ ground and get on the aeroplane. what is happened over— ground and get on the aeroplane. what is happened over the - ground and get on the aeroplane. what is happened over the last. ground and get on the aeroplane. what is happened over the last 12 ground and get on the aeroplane. . what is happened over the last 12 or 18 hours— what is happened over the last 12 or 18 hours is— what is happened over the last 12 or 18 hours is we — what is happened over the last 12 or 18 hours is we first _ what is happened over the last 12 or 18 hours is we first of all _ 18 hours is we first of all were intent — 18 hours is we first of all were intent on _ 18 hours is we first of all were intent on maintaining - 18 hours is we first of all were intent on maintaining the - 18 hours is we first of all were . intent on maintaining the ability 18 hours is we first of all were - intent on maintaining the ability to hring _ intent on maintaining the ability to hring out _ intent on maintaining the ability to bring out americans _ intent on maintaining the ability to bring out americans and _ intent on maintaining the ability to bring out americans and other - bring out americans and other afghans — bring out americans and other afghans as— bring out americans and other afghans as long _ bring out americans and other afghans as long as _ bring out americans and other afghans as long as we - bring out americans and other afghans as long as we could . bring out americans and otheri afghans as long as we could so bring out americans and other - afghans as long as we could so we kept that— afghans as long as we could so we kept that capability _ afghans as long as we could so we kept that capability to _ afghans as long as we could so we kept that capability to just - afghans as long as we could so we kept that capability to just a - afghans as long as we could so we kept that capability to just a few. kept that capability to just a few hours _ kept that capability to just a few hours ago — kept that capability to just a few hours ago we _ kept that capability to just a few hours ago. we were _ kept that capability to just a few hours ago. we were able - kept that capability to just a few hours ago. we were able to - kept that capability to just a fewi hours ago. we were able to bring kept that capability to just a few- hours ago. we were able to bring out the people _ hours ago. we were able to bring out the people earlier— hours ago. we were able to bring out the people earlier in _ hours ago. we were able to bring out the people earlier in the _ hours ago. we were able to bring out the people earlier in the day- the people earlier in the day although— the people earlier in the day although i— the people earlier in the day although i noted _ the people earlier in the day although i noted earlier- the people earlier in the day although i noted earlier we. the people earlier in the day. although i noted earlier we to the people earlier in the day- although i noted earlier we to cut it off— although i noted earlier we to cut it off sometime _ although i noted earlier we to cut it off sometime before _ although i noted earlier we to cut it off sometime before this - it off sometime before this operation _ it off sometime before this operation began. - it off sometime before this operation began. we - it off sometime before this operation began. we were| it off sometime before this - operation began. we were intent on maintaining — operation began. we were intent on maintaining that _ operation began. we were intent on maintaining that capability. - operation began. we were intent on maintaining that capability. we - operation began. we were intent on| maintaining that capability. we were also intent _ maintaining that capability. we were also intent on — maintaining that capability. we were also intent on maintaining _ maintaining that capability. we were also intent on maintaining our- maintaining that capability. we were also intent on maintaining our forcei also intent on maintaining our force protection _ also intent on maintaining our force protection because _ also intent on maintaining our force protection because the _ also intent on maintaining our force protection because the threats - also intent on maintaining our force| protection because the threats from isis-i

and again there — been any challenge to our departure. and again there was _ been any challenge to our departure. and again there was no— been any challenge to our departure. and again there was no question - been any challenge to our departure. and again there was no question we i and again there was no question we were not— and again there was no question we were not going _ and again there was no question we were not going to— and again there was no question we were not going to be _ and again there was no question we were not going to be challenged - and again there was no question we were not going to be challenged byi were not going to be challenged by the taliban — were not going to be challenged by the taliban if— were not going to be challenged by the taliban. if we _ were not going to be challenged by the taliban. if we would _ were not going to be challenged by the taliban. if we would be - the taliban. if we would be challenged he _ the taliban. if we would be challenged he will- the taliban. if we would be challenged he will be - the taliban. if we would be challenged he will be by i the taliban. if we would be - challenged he will be by isis—k. and ithink— challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some — challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some of— challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some of the _ challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some of the things _ challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some of the things we - challenged he will be by isis—k. and i think some of the things we have l i think some of the things we have done _ i think some of the things we have done yesterday _ i think some of the things we have done yesterday and _ i think some of the things we have done yesterday and particularly . i think some of the things we have | done yesterday and particularly the strike _ done yesterday and particularly the strike and — done yesterday and particularly the strike and other— done yesterday and particularly the strike and other things— done yesterday and particularly the strike and other things we - done yesterday and particularly the strike and other things we have - done yesterday and particularly the i strike and other things we have done and disrupted — strike and other things we have done and disrupted their— strike and other things we have done and disrupted their ability— strike and other things we have done and disrupted their ability to - and disrupted their ability to conduct _ and disrupted their ability to conduct that— and disrupted their ability to conduct that attack- and disrupted their ability toi conduct that attack planning. and disrupted their ability to - conduct that attack planning. they remain— conduct that attack planning. they remain a _ conduct that attack planning. they remain a very— conduct that attack planning. they remain a very lethal— conduct that attack planning. they remain a very lethal force - conduct that attack planning. they remain a very lethal force and - conduct that attack planning. they remain a very lethal force and i. remain a very lethal force and i think— remain a very lethal force and i think we — remain a very lethal force and i think we would _ remain a very lethal force and i think we would assess - remain a very lethal force and i think we would assess that - remain a very lethal force and i- think we would assess that probably they are _ think we would assess that probably they are at — think we would assess that probably they are at least _ think we would assess that probably they are at least 2000 _ think we would assess that probably they are at least 2000 hard—core i they are at least 2000 hard—core isis-i

actually _ the best of my knowledge which is actually pretty— the best of my knowledge which is actually pretty good _ the best of my knowledge which is actually pretty good i— the best of my knowledge which is actually pretty good i believe - the best of my knowledge which is actually pretty good i believe we . actually pretty good i believe we brought — actually pretty good i believe we brought out _ actually pretty good i believe we brought out all— actually pretty good i believe we brought out all the _ actually pretty good i believe we brought out all the afghan - actually pretty good i believe we . brought out all the afghan military forces _ brought out all the afghan military forces who— brought out all the afghan military forces who partner— brought out all the afghan military forces who partner with _ brought out all the afghan military forces who partner with us - brought out all the afghan military forces who partner with us to - brought out all the afghan military. forces who partner with us to defend the airfield _ forces who partner with us to defend the airfield and _ forces who partner with us to defend the airfield and their— forces who partner with us to defend the airfield and their members - forces who partner with us to defend the airfield and their members and l the airfield and their members and theirfamity~ — the airfield and their members and theirfamity~ i_ the airfield and their members and theirfamily. i believe— the airfield and their members and their family. i believe that - the airfield and their members and their family. i believe that has - their family. i believe that has been — their family. i believe that has been accomplished. _ their family. i believe that has been accomplished. we - their family. i believe that has been accomplished. we need i their family. i believe that has i been accomplished. we need the airport— been accomplished. we need the airport to — been accomplished. we need the airport to be _ been accomplished. we need the airport to be operational- been accomplished. we need the airport to be operational and - been accomplished. we need the airport to be operational and we i airport to be operational and we need _ airport to be operational and we need the — airport to be operational and we need the airport _ airport to be operational and we need the airport to _ airport to be operational and we need the airport to be _ airport to be operational and we i need the airport to be operational quickly— need the airport to be operational quickly for— need the airport to be operational quickly for civilian— need the airport to be operational quickly for civilian traffic. - need the airport to be operational quickly for civilian traffic. so - need the airport to be operational quickly for civilian traffic. so we . quickly for civilian traffic. so we are going — quickly for civilian traffic. so we are going to— quickly for civilian traffic. so we are going to do— quickly for civilian traffic. so we are going to do everything - quickly for civilian traffic. so we are going to do everything we l quickly for civilian traffic. so we . are going to do everything we can quickly for civilian traffic. so we - are going to do everything we can to help with that — are going to do everything we can to help with that. let _ are going to do everything we can to help with that. let me _ are going to do everything we can to help with that. let me give - are going to do everything we can to help with that. let me give you - are going to do everything we can to help with that. let me give you an . help with that. let me give you an exampte 0ne— help with that. let me give you an exampte. one of— help with that. let me give you an example. one of the _ help with that. let me give you an example. one of the things - help with that. let me give you an example. one of the things we . example. one of the things we did not develop — example. one of the things we did not develop as _ example. one of the things we did not develop as we _ example. one of the things we did not develop as we left _ example. one of the things we did not develop as we left were - not develop as we left were the pieces— not develop as we left were the pieces of— not develop as we left were the pieces of equipment _ not develop as we left were the pieces of equipment that - not develop as we left were the pieces of equipment that are i pieces of equipment that are necessary— pieces of equipment that are necessary for— pieces of equipment that are necessary for airport- pieces of equipment that are i necessary for airport operations such— necessary for airport operations such as — necessary for airport operations such as fire _ necessary for airport operations such as fire trucks _ necessary for airport operations such as fire trucks and - necessary for airport operations such as fire trucks and front - necessary for airport operations| such as fire trucks and front end toaders — such as fire trucks and front end toaders and _ such as fire trucks and front end loaders and things _ such as fire trucks and front end loaders and things like - such as fire trucks and front end loaders and things like that. - such as fire trucks and front end loaders and things like that. wej loaders and things like that. we left that— loaders and things like that. we left that equipment _ loaders and things like that. we left that equipment so - loaders and things like that. we left that equipment so that - loaders and things like that. we left that equipment so that is i left that equipment so that is available _ left that equipment so that is available to— left that equipment so that is available to allow— left that equipment so that is available to allow the - left that equipment so that is available to allow the airport| left that equipment so that is l available to allow the airport to -et available to allow the airport to get back— available to allow the airport to get back and _ available to allow the airport to get back and get _ available to allow the airport to get back and get operating - available to allow the airport to get back and get operating as i available to allow the airport to - get back and get operating as soon as possible — get back and get operating as soon as possible and _ get back and get operating as soon as possible and it— get back and get operating as soon as possible and it needs _ get back and get operating as soon as possible and it needs to- as possible and it needs to get operating _ as possible and it needs to get operating as _ as possible and it needs to get operating as soon _ as possible and it needs to get operating as soon as _ as possible and it needs to get operating as soon as possible. j as possible and it needs to get- operating as soon as possible. torjazlr operating as soon as possible. today is au . ust operating as soon as possible. today is august 30 — operating as soon as possible. today is august 30 and _ operating as soon as possible. today is august 30 and the _ operating as soon as possible. tuniiii- is august 30 and the deadline operating as soon as possible. is august 30 and the deadline had repeatedly been said that it would be the 3ist. do you think there may be the 3ist. do you think there may be some people who had some false hope that they had at least one more day before this happened and can you

explain the decision tactically as to why you glued to the mission on the 30th as both of the 3ist? so the 30th as both of the 31st? so was the 30th as both of the 31st? so was the 31st in afghanistan _ the 30th as both of the 31st? so was the 31st in afghanistan actually - the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take _ the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a _ the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look— the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look at— the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look at what _ the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look at what day- the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look at what day of- the 31st in afghanistan actually as a take a look at what day of the l a take a look at what day of the month— a take a look at what day of the month it — a take a look at what day of the month it is _ a take a look at what day of the month it is so _ a take a look at what day of the month it is so is _ a take a look at what day of the month it is so is the _ a take a look at what day of the month it is so is the 30th- a take a look at what day of the month it is so is the 30th herei month it is so is the 30th here about— month it is so is the 30th here about 31st— month it is so is the 30th here about 31st afghanistan. - month it is so is the 30th here about 31st afghanistan. so - month it is so is the 30th here about 31st afghanistan. so we | about 31st afghanistan. so we actually — about 31st afghanistan. so we actually went _ about 31st afghanistan. so we actually went out _ about 31st afghanistan. so we actually went out on - about 31st afghanistan. so we actually went out on the - about 31st afghanistan. so we actually went out on the 21st i about 31st afghanistan. so we i actually went out on the 21st and not the _ actually went out on the 21st and not the 30th— actually went out on the 21st and not the 30th if— actually went out on the 21st and not the 30th if you _ actually went out on the 21st and not the 30th if you look - actually went out on the 21st and not the 30th if you look at - not the 30th if you look at afghan time _ not the 30th if you look at afghan time there — not the 30th if you look at afghan time there is— not the 30th if you look at afghan time. there is a _ not the 30th if you look at afghan time. there is a lot— not the 30th if you look at afghan time. there is a lot of— time. there is a lot of heartbreak associate — time. there is a lot of heartbreak associate it — time. there is a lot of heartbreak associate it with _ time. there is a lot of heartbreak associate it with his _ time. there is a lot of heartbreak associate it with his departure. . time. there is a lot of heartbreak. associate it with his departure. we did not— associate it with his departure. we did not get— associate it with his departure. we did not get everybody— associate it with his departure. we did not get everybody out - associate it with his departure. we did not get everybody out there i did not get everybody out there wanted — did not get everybody out there wanted to — did not get everybody out there wanted to get _ did not get everybody out there wanted to get out. _ did not get everybody out there wanted to get out. but - did not get everybody out there wanted to get out. but i - did not get everybody out there wanted to get out. but i think. did not get everybody out there wanted to get out. but i think if did not get everybody out there . wanted to get out. but i think if we have set— wanted to get out. but i think if we have set another— wanted to get out. but i think if we have set another ten _ wanted to get out. but i think if we have set another ten days - wanted to get out. but i think if we have set another ten days we - wanted to get out. but i think if we| have set another ten days we would not of _ have set another ten days we would not of got _ have set another ten days we would not of got everybody _ have set another ten days we would not of got everybody out _ have set another ten days we would not of got everybody out that - not of got everybody out that we wanted — not of got everybody out that we wanted to — not of got everybody out that we wanted to get _ not of got everybody out that we wanted to get out _ not of got everybody out that we wanted to get out and _ not of got everybody out that we wanted to get out and there - not of got everybody out that we wanted to get out and there are| wanted to get out and there are still people _ wanted to get out and there are still people who _ wanted to get out and there are still people who would - wanted to get out and there are still people who would been - still people who would been disappointed _ still people who would been disappointed with— still people who would been disappointed with that. - still people who would been disappointed with that. it i still people who would been disappointed with that. it is| still people who would been. disappointed with that. it is a tough — disappointed with that. it is a tough situation _ disappointed with that. it is a tough situation but _ disappointed with that. it is a tough situation but i - disappointed with that. it is a tough situation but i want - disappointed with that. it is a tough situation but i want toi tough situation but i want to emphasise _ tough situation but i want to emphasise again _ tough situation but i want to emphasise again that - tough situation but i want to emphasise again that sibley| tough situation but i want to - emphasise again that sibley because we have _ emphasise again that sibley because we have left— emphasise again that sibley because we have left that _ emphasise again that sibley because we have left that does _ emphasise again that sibley because we have left that does not _ emphasise again that sibley because we have left that does not mean - emphasise again that sibley because| we have left that does not mean that the opportunities _ we have left that does not mean that the opportunities for— we have left that does not mean that the opportunities for both _ we have left that does not mean that the opportunities for both americansj the opportunities for both americans that are _ the opportunities for both americans that are in _ the opportunities for both americans that are in afghanistan _ the opportunities for both americans that are in afghanistan that - the opportunities for both americans that are in afghanistan that want - the opportunities for both americans that are in afghanistan that want to. that are in afghanistan that want to leave _ that are in afghanistan that want to leave and _ that are in afghanistan that want to leave and afghans _ that are in afghanistan that want to leave and afghans who _ that are in afghanistan that want to leave and afghans who want - that are in afghanistan that want to leave and afghans who want to - that are in afghanistan that want to i leave and afghans who want to leave, they witt— leave and afghans who want to leave, they will not _ leave and afghans who want to leave, they will not be — leave and afghans who want to leave, they will not be denied _ leave and afghans who want to leave, they will not be denied the _ they will not be denied the opportunity _ they will not be denied the opportunity. i— they will not be denied the opportunity. i think - they will not be denied the opportunity. i think our- they will not be denied the - opportunity. i think our department a stable _ opportunity. i think our department a stable work— opportunity. i think our department a stable work very _ opportunity. i think our department a stable work very hard _ opportunity. i think our department a stable work very hard in - opportunity. i think our department a stable work very hard in the - opportunity. i think our department a stable work very hard in the days| a stable work very hard in the days and weeks — a stable work very hard in the days and weeks ahead. _ a stable work very hard in the days and weeks ahead.— a stable work very hard in the days and weeks ahead. listening to marine cors and weeks ahead. listening to marine corps general— and weeks ahead. listening to marine corps general kenneth _ and weeks ahead. listening to marine corps general kenneth mckenzie - and weeks ahead. listening to marine corps general kenneth mckenzie he i and weeks ahead. listening to marine| corps general kenneth mckenzie he of bringing us up—to—date with the end of american presence in afghanistan.

general hasjust of american presence in afghanistan. general has just confirmed that an hour and a half ago 3:29pm eastern time before midnight in afghanistan that last c—17 left kabul airport on board major general chris donahue the commander of the 82nd airborne division, and the us ambassador to afghanistan ross wilson and together with all the afghan forces and help them protect the airport with their families and of course the civilian said they could reach in those final few hours. it brings un a 20 year mission for american forces in afghanistan and in that time 2461 us service members have been killed, including of course the 13 that died on thursday. 20,000 americans injured as well and it has been the biggest peacetime, noncombatant evacuation of civilians and personnel that the americans have carried out. 122,000 civilians being

brought out since its operation began on august the 15th. we will happily more reaction to the end of the american operations in afghanistan but stay with us here on bbc news. hello. once again it's that time where we take a look at how things are going to shape uo across the british isles in the next few days in some detail in the short—term, we try and pick out some trends in the longer term. in the short—term, it's pretty straightforward. the next few days, mostly dry, really quite cloudy, as has been the case for so many. and the temperatures really quite close to the seasonal norm. tuesday, pretty leaden skies across the piece to start with. the best of the breaks perhaps central and western scotland, northern ireland, one or two fringes of western england and wales. but if you're fully exposed to this slightly onshore breeze here in the east of scotland, the east of england, could be enough cloud for the odd drizzly burst of rain there. a lot of people staying dry,

but without the sunshine and that onshore breeze, 14,15,16, but with a bit of brightness, that might even extend to the south east. you could be looking at 19—20 degrees. and then we do it all over again, as we have done in recent nights, where the cloud rather fill in as we start the new day on wednesday. that high pressure really at this stage not moving very far very fast at all, so the days rather a repetition of one another. having said that, there are subtle changes on the theme, and if you should happen to lose some of the cloud, as you may well do as the high pressure centre drifts towards scotland and northern ireland, many more of you might actually get to see some sunshine. that may not be just the case as we come down towards england and wales, but again, it makes all the difference. 19—20 degrees if you get the sunshine, closer to 1a or 15 with an onshore breeze if you don't on those eastern shores. now, on thursday, as i say, its slow change if any change at all, but i'm just hopeful at this stage that there is a better chance of the north of england,

maybe the north and west of wales joining scotland and northern ireland with that improving chance of seeing some decent sunny spells. it may take a time for other spots in england and wales to get going, but after a cloudy start, you, too, may get to see a little bit more in the way of sunshine. here we are as far ahead as friday. one thing to note is that if you've had a noticeable onshore breeze, the isobars really beginning to open up, so it may just feel a tad warmer, particularly so, as i say, if you can get some of that early september sunshine. and that will have the effect ofjust making the day feel that little bit warmer given the absence of that breeze from what is still a pretty cool north sea. so, this is where we begin to see things changing just in time for the weekend, we think, although there is some uncertainty about how fast the low pressure in europe moves away, the high pressure moves to scandinavia and then that begins to allow atlantic fronts, rememberthem, moving in from the atlantic to perhaps eventually affect southern and western portions

of the british isles. generally speaking, the further north and east you are, the drier and brighter you may well stay. and with the air coming in from the near continent, it mayjust feel a tad warmer. here we go. low pressure certainly seems to play a part in our weather as we get through sunday and indeed into the start of next week. but, and it is a huge but, if that low pressure were to hang around into the middle part of next week, you can well imagine that the weather will be really quite unsettled if that low lingers. but other models are suggesting the low may scoot away and the high pressure builds back in, particularly to the southern half the british isles, settling things rather nicely. bye— bye.

i'm here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate american citizens, third country nationals and vulnerable afghans. the news came after a day in which the last american planes flew out of kabul — carrying civilians, diplomats and soldiers — at the close of a 20—year operation. in kabul — accusations of civilian casualties caused by the us in these final days — after a drone strike aimed at islamic state militants. we lost ten persons, including my daughter who is dead. two years old. she was two years old. we'll be live in kabul — and in washington —

and ask what comes next for the afghan people. also tonight: