Two US Congressmen make secret trip to Afghanistan, detail situation on ground

Amid evacuation efforts and chaotic scenes in Kabul, two US congressmen and former war veterans flew to Afghanistan in an announced visit on Tuesday. Democrat representative from Massachusetts, Seth Moulton and Republican representative from Michigan, Peter Meijer flew down to Kabul airport in a chartered plane to assess ground situation in war-torn nation.

After ir return, Moulton who has been an outspoken critic of Iraq War, took to Twitter to explain what he h witnessed and laud heroics of American forces on ground. " world has truly never seen anything like what America is doing in Kabul this week—deeply tragic and highly heroic. Fear and desperation at ir worst; hope and humanity at ir finest," he said.

'Won't be able to evacuate everyone on time': US Congressman

In a detailed thre,  Democrat explained that that like or veterans, y came into  visit wanting US President Joe Biden to extend August 31 deline. However, after talking with commanders on ground and seeing situation, y realised that no matter what y do, Biden ministration will not be able to get everyone out on time. He also condemned United States' 'bizarre relationship' with Taliban.

"After talking with commanders on ground and seeing situation here, it is obvious that because we started evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11. Sly and frustratingly, getting our people out depends on maintaining current, bizarre relationship with Taliban," he said. 

US State Dept 'furious' over visit

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that US State Department, Defense Department and White House officials were 'furious' about incident. According to m, secret visit h was done without coordination with diplomats or military commanders directing evacuation. officials have viewed visit as a 'distraction' for troops who were fighting against time in war-ravaged country.

Issuing a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated that it was important that members not travel to Afghanistan and region during this time of danger. "Ensuring safe and timely evacuation of individuals at risk requires full focus and attention of U.S. military and diplomatic teams on ground in Afghanistan," she said.

In a joint statement, both US Congressmen have noted that visit was kept secret to minimize risk and disruption to people on ground. “As Members of Congress, we have a duty to provide oversight on executive branch,’” two said in ir statement. two military veterans serve on House Armed Services Committee.

(With Agency Inputs)