End of 20-year-long war: Last US troops leave Afghanistan, says Pentagon

New Delhi : The United States Military has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending a brutal 20-year-long war. Before and after the war, it's Taliban who will continue to rule the nation.

Celebratory gunfire was heard in Kabul on Tuesday morning, and elated senior Taliban officials hailed the event as a watershed moment.

The final announcement of completion of withdrawal comes after some terrible days in August end faced by the Afghanistan residents as Taliban took over the capital. Several Afghans and 13 US troops lost their lives in suicide bombing incidents during the days.

The withdrawal came before the end of August 31, the actual deadline set by President Joe Biden to call time on America's longest war -- one that ultimately claimed the lives of more than 2,400 US service members.

"I'm here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate American citizens," US General Kenneth McKenzie told reporters Monday Washington time.

"Tonight's withdrawal signifies both the end of the military component of the evacuation but also the end of the nearly 20-year mission that began in Afghanistan shortly after September 11th, 2001."

The final flight left at 1929 GMT Monday - just before the start of Tuesday in Kabul, he said.

The US President Joe Biden will be officially addressing the nation on Tuesday to give a brief about what happened in Afghanistan and the future.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan had "gained full independence" with the US withdrawal, and Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban official, said he was "proud" to witness "these historic moments".