"Americans do not deserve to die in a war that the Afghans themselves are not ready to fight for."
US President Joe Biden has defended his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan despite the Taliban's rapid capture by the country.
However, Biden acknowledged that the result of the Taliban's overthrow of the Afghan government and its takeover took place "much faster than expected".
"Americans cannot and do not deserve to fight a war or die in a war in which the Afghans themselves are not ready to fight," Biden said from the White House.
"I remain consistent with my decision," he assured.
On Sunday, the Taliban declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country and his government collapsed.
Extremist militants are returning to the government after nearly 20 years of failed US-led coalition.
"The United States did not intend to build a nation"
Biden is facing strong political criticism over his April decision to order all US troops to leave Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the attack that prompted the United States to invade the country.
The president said the 20-year goal was not to "rebuild the country," but to prevent terrorist attacks on US soil.
"I will not hand over this responsibility to the fifth president," he said, referring to what he has been saying since he made his decision to leave Afghanistan in September.
"I am deeply saddened by the events we are facing right now but I do not regret my decision to end the US war in Afghanistan.
