Media: US Army forces head in Europe, Africa expected to retire

General Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa and the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal, is expected to announce his retirement later this summer, according to sources cited by The Atlantic.

Donahue could announce his decision as early as June 24.

Donahue has led U.S. Army operations in Europe and Africa since late 2024 and has played a key role in supporting Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion. Prior to that, he gained international attention as the commanding officer who oversaw the final stage of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

His expected departure comes amid broader changes within the U.S. military's senior leadership under Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to The Atlantic, several senior officers have left their positions as the Pentagon reshapes its leadership ranks.

A veteran of the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force, Donahue was widely regarded as one of the military's most accomplished commanders and had been viewed as a potential candidate for future top leadership positions, including Army chief of staff or chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

By Sabina Mammadli