Congressional records and announcements

Blinken Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal, Apologizes to Families of 13 Slain Troops

Dec 11, 2024, 08:30 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified before Congress on Wednesday regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, facing criticism from GOP members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Blinken defended the withdrawal, asserting that it has not weakened America's global position as some critics claim. He also personally apologized to the families of the 13 U.S. troops killed by a suicide bomber during the evacuation. The hearing was disrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters, who accused Blinken of being responsible for the situation in Gaza. Despite the criticism, Blinken maintained that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has deteriorated, but the overall withdrawal has not been as detrimental as portrayed.