Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the ongoing chaos and noncombatant evacuation operation in Afghanistan:
“President Biden is focused only on politically justifying his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan – the same decision that has trapped thousands of American citizens and Afghan partners who are now trying desperately to get out. To be clear, the responsibility for the frantic evacuation lies solely with the president. Although his decision has placed our troops in an extremely and unnecessarily dangerous situation, I maintain full confidence in and respect for the effectiveness and capability of the men and women of our armed forces. I am certain they will effectively execute one of the most difficult missions they’ve been assigned in Afghanistan in the last two decades: a high-risk noncombatant evacuation operation in a chaotic and ever-evolving environment.
“There is no other organization I would trust more to take on this challenge – our troops are professionals willing to risk their own lives to ensure the security of our people and the nation. The Department of Defense has guaranteed me that every resource necessary is being made available to them. I urge the administration to focus, without distraction, on helping our military secure the safety of American citizens, the Afghans who have stood by us, and our partners and allies.”