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In photos: America's longest war ends with last U.S. troops' exit from Afghanistan

The Pentagon tweeted a photo of the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, with the caption "ending the U.S. mission in Kabul."

The big picture: The moment marks the end of America's longest war after nearly 20 years of military involvement in Afghanistan. A Los Angeles Times photographer captured Taliban fighters with American-supplied weapons, equipment and uniforms taking over Kabul's international airport.


The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021
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American soldiers board an U.S. Air Force aircraft at Kabul's international airport on Aug. 30. Photo: Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images
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Fireworks in Kabul after the last U.S. aircraft took off from the airport on Aug. 31. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
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Taliban fighters from the Fateh Zwak unit entering Kabul's international airport on Aug. 31. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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The Fateh Zwak unit fighters entering Kabul's airport on Aug. 31. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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The Fateh Zwak unit at the airport on Aug. 31. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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A Taliban fighter from the Fateh Zwak unit at Kabul's airport on Aug. 31. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Fateh Zwak unit fighters inside the airport on Aug. 31. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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