Concord, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued the following statement on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

“The developments in Afghanistan are deeply troubling and the images are heartbreaking. The rapid failure of Afghanistan’s government and the Afghan military was extraordinary and disappointing. As previously stated and reiterated by President Biden today, the safety and security of U.S. personnel and Afghan partners remain the top priority. I am deeply grateful to our men and women in uniform who have served the United States in Afghanistan, including those who are currently operating under extremely difficult circumstances to evacuate U.S. citizens and Afghan partners in Kabul.

“The President has demonstrated his deep respect and admiration for our troops, and he recognizes that as commander-in-chief, it is his duty to protect them — his decision to deploy additional troops so that expedient evacuations can continue is a necessary step.

“I will continue to closely monitor the situation in Afghanistan and once efforts to withdraw U.S. citizens and Afghan partners are complete, we must turn our attention to strategic steps we can take to ensure the region does not return to a haven for terrorists, and that all Afghan citizens — especially women and girls — are safe from violence, persecution, and brutal treatment from the Taliban.”

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