Two former commanders of Central Command believe the United States is less safe now following the military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan nearly a year ago.

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, the head of CENTCOM from 2019-22, and his predecessor, retired Gen. Joseph Votel, the head of CENTCOM from 2016-19, represent the U.S.’s top leaders for the final quarter of the military’s 20 years in Afghanistan. They told Voice of America that they believe the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces combined with the Taliban’s rise to power created a less safe Afghanistan.