US President Joe Biden defends his decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan on August 16, 2021. (Photo: Reuters)

In a televised speech at the White House after the Taliban’s rapid capture of Kabul, Biden said that in 20 years he learned the hard way that there is never a good time to withdraw US forces.

He acknowledged that the Taliban's speed in retaking the country was unexpected, adding that the US gave Afghanistanis every chance to determine their own future but could not give them the will to fight for that future.

Biden warned Taliban leaders they would face devastating force should they interfere with the withdrawal of American diplomatic personnel and civilians or Afghan citizens who worked with the US.

He also pledged to support the basic rights of Afghan women, girls, and others under the new government.