Dutch soldiers leave Afghanistan

Tonight, US President Joe Biden will deliver a speech: he wants all US troops to leave the country by September 11, 2021. Other NATO countries, such as Germany, are following the US example. The Netherlands could not function without US and German support.

Mandatory decision

Germany hopes NATO force withdraws from Afghanistan “We have always said: Go out together.”

According to Cramp-Karanbauer, the departure is likely to take place in September.

Much depends

Dutch defense ministers have reiterated that this principle applies: ‘out together, at home together’. The Dutch army relied heavily on American and German soldiers.

For example, the United States provides air support, drones and support. NATO mission in northern Afghanistan was led by a German soldier.

US withdrawal

The then US President Donald Trump had already announced the withdrawal of the US military by May 1. New President Joe Biden has now changed the date to September 11th.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blingen is in NATO headquarters in Brussels today for consultations. Blingen says Washington is working with NATO allies on an “integrated” departure. “We have reached our goals. Now is the time to bring our troops home.”

The September withdrawal aims to end the longest war waged by the United States and its allies, initially in retaliation for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

80 Dutch people extra

About 160 Dutch soldiers are currently participating in the NATO Resolution Support Program, whose main mission is to train and advise the Afghan army. For security reasons this number will be increased by 80 Dutch people this month. These so-called infantrymen of the army were on standby as a precautionary measure.

With the withdrawal, the security situation in the country is deteriorating. Foreign troops can also be targeted frequently. The defense ministry had earlier said the army should be stopped by April 30.