It’s official; the United States and NATO have begun their final withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending America’s “forever war” after nearly 20 years.

In mid-April, President Joe Biden had announced the final withdrawal would begin May 1st.

Diplomatic and military officials say the packing up began almost one month ago.

The last 2,500 to 3,500 U.S. troops and about 7,000 allied forces will be gone by September 11th at the latest, although Western diplomats in Kabul say July 4th is the goal.