Thread by @Ayei_Eloheichem

Thread: Pentagon reiterates that their sole concern is withdrawal from #Afghanistan by early September.

Zero plans on contractual support, airport guards, "over-the-horizon" capabilities, or anything else. Notably, they no longer even mention the "peace process."

Asked about whether the US wants to prevent the collapse of the Afghan security forces and Kabul given lightening Taliban advances recently, Pentagon says it doesn't give a shit and is just trying to withdraw.

Pentagon: "We will complete the withdrawal of all US forces...with the exception of those...left to protect the diplomatic presence (LOL not happening)...and...it will be done before early September, as per [Biden's] orders. Those two things are constant and won't change."

Pentagon: Still no plans for additional "over-the-horizon" CT capabilities/regional basing.

"We already do have over-the-horizon capability when it comes to the counterterrorism threat...There are other facilities... in the Middle East that can be of some service."

🦄🌈

Pentagon: No concrete plans for any contractual support for Afghan air force or any other logistical support to security forces.

"Our support for the Afghan forces once the retrograde is complete will be largely financial..."

Pentagon reaffirms support for Afghan security forces will soon end as US forces withdraw:

"As the retrograde gets closer to completion, those capabilities will wane and will no longer be available to be used in that way."

Pressed on the issue of support to Afghan forces, Pentagon says its only calculation is what resources it needs to withdraw on schedule.

Asked again whether the stability of the government after withdrawal is a factor, Pentagon says nah:

"Two things are not changing: We will be out of Afghanistan + [bullshit about residual forces to protect embassy, which the Taliban has forbidden] by early September."

Pentagon: "Turkey agreed to take the lead role in terms of security at the airport. There are still details to be worked out. There's a lot more work to be done...We don't have final answers on that right now."

Take your time, guys. 15-25 days to full withdrawal. No biggie.