The US military mission to evacuate American citizens and foreign allies from Afghanistan was hampered by continuous appeals for help from an array of advocates including White House officials, members of Congress, veterans of the war, media outlets and even the Vatican, according to the operation’s senior commander.
The top military commander overseeing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan says the effort was hampered by outreach from a variety of officials, including the White House and other international interests.
Rear Adm. Peter Vasely said that the withdrawal was made more chaotic by people like First Lady Jill Biden, Pope Francis, the White House and Congress calling in for special favors to help get out certain people.