McCaul Slams Admin for Newest National Security Threat Caused by Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal

Houston, TX – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul released the following statement in response to news that U.S.-trained Afghan commandos are being recruited by the Russian Private Military Company, the Wagner Group, to fight in Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans released a report on the administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, in August, pointing out that failing to evacuate these commandos, posed a major national security threat.

“The Biden administration’s failure to plan for the safe evacuation of the thousands of Afghan commandos who bravely fought alongside U.S. and NATO forces for almost 20 years is a travesty. As a result, hundreds remain trapped in Afghanistan without hope or prospects, and under threat from the Taliban. It is no surprise to learn that, in addition to being forced to seek refuge in Iran, Afghan commandos are now being recruited by Wagner to fight Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. This unfortunate turn of events is even further proof that thorough congressional oversight over the administration’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal is critical.”

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