Peach Tree Times

U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) condemned President Joe Biden's handling of the Afghanistan crisis that so far has resulted in 13 service members being killed.

“As a three-time combat veteran of Iraq and Kuwait, I resolutely believe the situation we are witnessing in Afghanistan is the worst betrayal of our service member’s sacrifices in a generation. The decisions leading to the fall of Afghanistan in a matter of days indicates a staggering failure of leadership from both our President and military commanders. We need leadership who can see the battlefield clearly and take appropriate action to preserve and prioritize our national security and the safety of American citizens. Neither Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin nor Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley have proved their competence to do either, which is why I have called for both of their resignations. Their actions have unnecessarily put at serious risk the lives of thousands of American citizens, both military and civilian, and today we saw further catastrophic results of their failed leadership. My prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen soldiers," Clyde told the Peach Tree Times.

KDVR reported that the number of Georgians to lose their life in Afghanistan is 71.

Over the course of several days, U.S. troops have been helping to evacuate Afghanistan allies and Americans who are within the war-torn country following the swift takeover by the Taliban forces. 

The Taliban’s taking of Kabul, the nation’s capital, with little resistance and the hurried efforts from the Biden administration to get people out has faced criticism from both political parties and has hurt his approval ratings. 

More than 69% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, according to data from a Trafalgar poll.

Adding to Biden’s negative approval rating over the handling of evacuations is that the State Department has been unable to assist all the Americans stranded in Afghanistan. The department instructed people not to call the embassy for help, asserting in an official advisory, “Do not call the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

The Pentagon has yet to release statistics regarding how many Americans are stranded in the war-torn country, a notion that General Jack Keane told Fox News was “insulting” and that the country has a right to know.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has organized a hotline for Americans who have been left behind in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of American forces. Americans can call 501-223-9081  or email evac@cotton.senate.gov. 

“The situation is dire, but we’ll do everything in our power to help keep you informed and to help get you out,” Cotton’s website said.

The Taliban created checkpoints to the airport that have stalled efforts by Americans to flee the country via the international airport in Kabul.

Biden has said that he will stick with the plan of removing US forces by the end of the month, which could result in “dozens of armored vehicles and U.S. Army Apache gunships” abandoned in the country.