Rep. Mark Green, a veteran of the War on Terror, has reached out to the Department of Defense (DOD) Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins with an inquiry concerning the treatment and recognition of Karshi-Khanabad (K2) veterans. Rep. Green’s letter questions why American servicemembers were stationed at K2 Air Base in Uzbekistan despite known hazards such as yellowcake uranium and other toxins.
Rep. Green stated, “It’s been twenty-four years since the first wave of troops set foot on the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan during the early years of the War on Terror. I’m asking DOD Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins for answers on how the DOD of more than two decades ago allowed American servicemembers to occupy a base that was filled with known toxins—including yellowcake uranium—and why troops continued to stay at the base despite being told about the presence of high radiation levels and toxins.”
The letter highlights findings from a 2020 House Oversight and Reform Committee report which confirmed exposure to multiple hazardous substances among 15,000 U.S. servicemembers deployed between 2001 and 2005. It requests an investigation into decision-making processes regarding K2’s use as a base for operations during Afghanistan’s invasion.
In his communication, Rep. Green raises several concerns: “Why were servicemembers at Camp Stronghold Freedom allowed to continue operations despite reports of radiation and toxic chemicals…?” He also questions whether any Pentagon officials objected to using K2, if health assessments were available to officers planning its use, and why related documents were classified.
Background information reveals that from 2001-2005, U.S. forces used K2 as an operational base during Afghanistan’s invasion. Many veterans have reported illnesses linked to their service there but faced challenges obtaining care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Efforts have been made previously under President Trump’s administration with executive orders aimed at recognizing Uzbekistan as a combat zone for medical purposes; however, results are pending completion despite initial timelines suggesting otherwise.
Rep. Green continues advocating for K2 veterans through legislative efforts like urging compliance with past mandates related to toxic exposure studies or proposing bills addressing coverage gaps affecting these individuals’ access needs today.
