Publicly Released: October 27, 2022
The objective of this evaluation was to determine the extent to which the DoD provided adequate lodging, security, and medical care for Afghan evacuees diverted to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, for further processing.
Executive Summary
In August 2021, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, was selected as one of several locations worldwide to process and temporarily house Afghan nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan. Camp Liya is a separate camp established within the confines of Camp Bondsteel, where the Department of State (DOS) provides operational control for the evacuees, including lodging, sustainment, processing, and onward movement support to Afghan travelers. The DoD provides humanitarian support to the occupants through the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s Area Support Group (ASG)-Balkans, and does not have a combat or detention mission. While evacuees, or travelers, are instructed to not leave the camp, the ASG-Balkans Security Forces (SF) personnel are not authorized to stop evacuees from leaving if they choose to do so.
During our site visit in April 2022, we determined that the ASG-Balkans provided adequate support, such as lodging, security, and medical care at Camp Liya. For example, the ASG-Balkans provided the Afghan travelers with individual beds inside tents with electricity and internet connectivity; food and water; layered security within Camp Liya; and medical exams, immunizations, access to specialty care, and off-base emergency medical care. However, the A SG-Balkans faces logistical challenges in providing continued lodging, security, and medical care for the travelers.
During our evaluation, we learned that the ASG-Balkans Commander conducted After Action Reviews documenting lodging, security, and medical lessons learned. In September 2022, we were provided an After Action Review with 12 observations by the Inspector General for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. In addition, the ASG-Balkans Commander stated that ASG-Balkans personnel have been conducting After Action Reviews since September 2021 because Camp Liya’s mission was extended until August 31, 2023, and to assist in the event that a similar operation occurs in the future. The ASG-Balkans Commander stated that ASG-Balkans maintains a running After Action Review in Microsoft TEAMs.