Trump transition team reportedly considers court martial for officers involved in Afghanistan withdrawal

WASHINGTON — The transition team of US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly examining the possibility of court-martialing senior military officers involved in the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to NBC News.

Sources familiar with the plans revealed that Trump’s team is compiling a list of former and current military leaders allegedly responsible for what they termed a “disrespectful” withdrawal.

The team is also exploring the formation of a commission to investigate the execution of the withdrawal and assess whether charges, including treason, could be brought against those involved.

“They’re taking it very seriously,” a source told NBC News, noting that Matt Flynn, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats, is spearheading the effort.

The US withdrawal, which marked the end of a 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, has faced criticism for its chaotic execution, including scenes of desperation at Kabul’s airport.

Republican lawmakers have consistently blamed the Biden administration for the disorder and alleged mishandling of the evacuation.

This potential investigation signals heightened scrutiny of the decisions leading up to and during the withdrawal, as Trump’s incoming administration aims to revisit one of the most controversial moments in recent US military history. — Agencies