Media reports and lawmakers over the last several days have alleged poor conditions including lack of food, harassment by the Afghan men on the base, and inadequate shelter for the upcoming winter months.
“We’re certainly aware of these reports, and we take it very seriously… I know of no specific request today to conduct an investigation, but the Secretary [Lloyd Austin] is certainly mindful of the reports, and he’s comfortable that General [Glen] Van Herck, the Northern Command Commander, also is mindful of these issues and will continue to work closely with our interagency partners to alleviate any concerns there might be,” Kirby said.
Kirby added that it is the Department of Defense’s responsibility to provide the Afghan evacuees with safe and secure housing as well as adequate food, water, and recreational resources.