Calls Rise For Austin, Gen. Mark Milley Resignation Over Afghanistan Fiasco Accountability
Several retired generals have come forward to demand the resignation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley amid increasing criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The retired generals, who said they are members of a group called Flag Officers 4 America, wrote that their request was “based on negligence in performing (Austin's and Milley's) duties primarily involving events surrounding the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
The 87 signatories to the open letter said both Austin and Milley should have used their power and authority to stand against Biden’s pull-out order in April, adding that “if they did not do everything within their authority to stop the hasty withdrawal, they should resign.” They noted that even if Austin and Milley went against the pull-out order, they should still leave their posts “as a matter of conscience and public statement.”
The letter added to the pressure faced by the U.S. defence establishment after relieving Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller from command following his callout of superiors regarding the chaotic situation in Afghanistan. The marine said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he was officially resigning. Scheller noted that he doesn’t want “any money from the VA. I don’t want any VA benefits [even though] I’m sure I’m entitled 100 percent.”
Last week, Scheller posted a video urging his superiors to take responsibility for the deaths of dozens of Afghans and 13 U.S. service members. Following criticism of his callout, Scheller said he was only asking for “accountability of my senior leaders when there are clear obvious mistakes that were made,” FOX News reported. Scheller explained that if top military leaders took responsibility, it would help “service members with PTSD and struggling with purpose than any other transparent piece of paper or message.”
On Thursday, the U.S. Defense Department confirmed the deaths of 13 U.S. service members during a suicide-bombing attack outside the gates of Kabul airport. The 11 deceased marines included 23-year-old Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, who was one of several marines photographed taking care of Afghan children during evacuations out of the Kabul airport, CBS reported. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has confirmed that all U.S. troops have left Afghanistan Monday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that the White House continues to work with its allies to ensure safe travels for American citizens and Afghan allies who remain in Afghanistan and are seeking to leave the country in the coming months.
US President Joe Biden(C) attends the ceremony for the return of the remains of 13 US service members killed in Kabul days before the final US military withdrawal from Afghanistan Photo: AFP / SAUL LOEB
