US commander says steps to end Afghan mission launched

KABUL: The commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan, US Army General Scott Miller, on Sunday said an orderly withdrawal of foreign forces and the handing over of military bases and equipment to the Afghan forces had begun.

Miller said he was acting on orders based on U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to end America's longest war, deeming the prolonged and intractable battle in Afghanistan no longer aligned with American priorities.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when they were ousted by U.S.-led forces.