Milley, McKenzie Say They Wanted to Keep Troops in Afghanistan

September 29, 2021
Congress/DoD | On Base

Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley and Central Command head Kenneth McKenzie told Senators Tuesday that they had recommended that President Joe Biden keep a small number of troops in Afghanistan beyond the withdrawal deadline.

Milley and McKenzie both said they recommended that 2,500 service members stay behind to secure the area and support the Afghan military. That contradicts comments Biden made to ABC News before the withdrawal that no top generals advised maintaining a military presence in Afghanistan.

Milley and McKenzie were testifying to the Senate Armed Services Committee alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The three will appear Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee.

DOD photo by Chad J. McNeeley

September 29, 2021
Congress/DoD | On Base

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