Kathmandu— Pentagon investigators examining the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan have located classified documents that officials say were deliberately hidden, fueling long-standing accusations of a cover-up surrounding the operation. Sean Parnell, chairman of the Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel, announced Wednesday his team had recovered “highly relevant” materials that “should have been disclosed,” five years after the deadly bombing at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate. The discovery comes amidst ongoing scrutiny from Republicans who claim the Biden administration downplayed warnings about the potential collapse of the Afghan government and delayed a full-scale evacuation. Parnell stated the panel will pursue all leads to determine why the documents were hidden and what they reveal about decision-making during the withdrawal.

Documents Found After Years

Sean Parnell revealed that the classified documents had been “stashed and hidden away in safes where they would not be found.” He did not specify the content of the files, who concealed them, or if they pertain to specific decisions made by former President Biden or his administration. Parnell emphasized the panel’s commitment to a thorough investigation, promising veterans and families of those killed during the withdrawal “the full picture” of how and why key choices were made.

Context of the Chaotic Withdrawal

The discovery of these documents resurfaces scrutiny surrounding the tumultuous evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021. Thirteen US service members and approximately 170 Afghans lost their lives when an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Abbey Gate at Kabul airport. The rapid advance of the Taliban led to the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government, creating a desperate scramble for thousands attempting to flee the country. Iconic images of Afghans clinging to departing US military aircraft became symbolic of the withdrawal, which concluded two decades of American military involvement and returned the Taliban to power.

Political Accusations and Denials

Since the withdrawal, Republicans have repeatedly accused Biden administration officials of disregarding or minimizing warnings that a complete pullout could lead to the swift collapse of Afghanistan. They also allege officials delayed initiating a full-scale evacuation. House investigators have expressed concerns about missing or unavailable photographs, video footage, and other materials from the evacuation, accusing Biden-era officials of obstructing congressional inquiries into key decision-making processes. The Biden administration has consistently denied any cover-up, asserting that the unexpectedly rapid collapse of the Afghan government significantly complicated the evacuation efforts.

The Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel will continue its investigation, following the evidence to determine the full implications of the newly discovered documents and provide a comprehensive account of the events surrounding the withdrawal.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.