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Top Army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan is suddenly leaving his post
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army ...
Key takeaway Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATOs Allied Land Command, will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement provided to The Associated Press.
Why this matters in The Waco
The sudden departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue from his post as commander of US Army Europe and Africa may have implications for the Waco community, given the city's strong military ties. As a major hub for veterans and military families, Waco has a vested interest in the leadership and direction of the US Army. Donahue's experience in special operations and his role in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan have likely influenced his perspective on military strategy and operations, which could have trickled down to local military installations and personnel. With Donahue's deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, taking over duties in the interim, it remains to be seen how this change in leadership will affect the Waco area's military community and its relationships with local government and organizations. The city's residents will be watching closely to see how this shift in command impacts their community.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Army's commander of its forces in Europe and Africa who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late Tuesday.Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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