The situation in Kandahar: Fierce fighting erupted in the Helmand province between government forces and the Taliban as the U.S forces began their first day of pull out from Afghanistan.
It's official: America and NATO have begun their final withdrawal from Afghanistan ending America's ‘forever war" after nearly 20 years. By @Kathygannon. https://t.co/vhEFlWmiYl
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 1, 2021
Around 1,000 families had to flee their homes in the province as fighting escalated at the checkpoints where U.S forces handed over control to local government forces. Families took refuge in the city of Laskhar Gah, the capital of the province.
Kabul on high alert amid 'deadline' for U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan https://t.co/6wirXoEd92 pic.twitter.com/SmkfGkNqly
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 1, 2021
The U.S pullout: As part of the pullout of the pull-out, U.S forces handed over a few bases to the Afghan forces this week. Furthermore, over 60 C-17 aircraft were being used to move material and supplies from the base. Washington said that 6% of the process had been completed.
US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan is now formally underway, according to defense officials. Biden pledged all troops would be out by September 11.https://t.co/1IsshVSFTw
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 29, 2021
Background: The May 1 deadline for pull-out of U.S troops was set by President Trump last year. However, past the deadline, President Joe Biden has said that the troops would phase the pull out of supplies and troops over the next 4 months.
Taliban reaction: The Taliban have rejected this extension by Joe Biden and an increase in attacks, car bombings, violence and other attacks has been seen. Forces in the Helmand and six other provinces have responded to increasing attacks by the Taliban in the past 24 hours
As Trump’s withdrawal date passes, Taliban warn they may ‘take action’ against US troops in Afghanistan https://t.co/brqo1IZCXE pic.twitter.com/hO8aMrbcIM
— Pat Connors (@nymets22) May 2, 2021