US Reviewing Taliban Terror Designation Amid Scrutiny of Afghanistan Withdrawal

US Reconsiders Terror Designation for Taliban While Launching Afghanistan Withdrawal Review

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States is actively reviewing whether to designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Wednesday during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I believe that classification is now, once again, under review,” Rubio stated in response to congressional inquiries.

The announcement comes amid intensified scrutiny of the US military’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan in August 2021, which culminated in a deadly ISIS bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, killing 13 American service members and over 150 Afghans.

Comprehensive Review Ordered by Defense Department

A day prior to Rubio’s remarks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering a full review of the withdrawal, citing the high casualty rate and loss of military equipment during the evacuation.

“This remains an important step toward regaining faith and trust with the American people and all those who wear the uniform,” Hegseth wrote.

The new review aims to ensure accountability and transparency and will assess both the planning and execution of the withdrawal.

Trump-Biden Divide on Withdrawal Strategy

The current review is likely to reignite political tensions. The withdrawal was executed by the Biden administration but was initiated under President Donald Trump’s 2020 Doha agreement with the Taliban, which set a May 2021 deadline for the full withdrawal of US forces.

The Trump-era deal required the Taliban to engage in peace negotiations with the Afghan government and to prevent terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS from operating in Afghanistan.

Biden, upon taking office in 2021, said he had little choice but to honor the agreement or face renewed conflict, potentially necessitating more troop deployments.

“The manner in which it was done was the most embarrassing day in the history of our country’s life,” Trump later said during his 2024 campaign trail.

Multiple Investigations Already Conducted

The US military, the State Department, and several Republican-led House committees have previously launched investigations into the Kabul withdrawal. Senior figures like former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley have testified on the operation.

US Central Command also conducted an internal review of the ISIS bombing during the final days of the mission, though it is unclear how Hegseth’s new review will differ from these prior efforts.

Debate Over Taliban’s Terror Designation

Although the Taliban is not currently designated as an FTO by the US State Department, the group remains subject to individual and economic sanctions, and its affiliates have been linked to terrorism. Designating the Taliban as an FTO could significantly escalate diplomatic and legal ramifications, especially concerning international aid and engagement with the Afghan government.

Related: US Sanctions List – Department of the Treasury