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Top Army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan is suddenly leaving his post
By Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio 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. Arm...
Key takeaway Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command, will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement provided to The Associated Press.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The sudden departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue from his post as commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa may have implications for the San Antonio area, given the city's significant military presence. As a major hub for military operations, San Antonio is home to numerous military bases and installations, and changes in leadership can have ripple effects throughout the community. Donahue's experience in special operations and his role in the evacuation of Afghanistan may have also brought him into contact with local military personnel and units, potentially impacting relationships and collaborations between the Army and local organizations. The fact that Donahue is one of nearly two dozen top military leaders to depart their jobs early under the current Defense Secretary raises questions about the potential impact on military operations and personnel in the San Antonio area, and whether this trend will continue in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio 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. Arm...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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