Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport Thursday, Associated Press reported. The attacks killed at least 60 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.
11 Marines and one Navy medic were among those who died. President Joe Biden said in a speech at the White House, “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.” He also instructed the U.S. military to develop plans to strike the Islamic State, the group that took responsibility for the attacks.
Arizona legislators are reacting to the attacks.
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at half staff through August 30, in honor of the U.S. service members killed during the terrorist attack.
In a press release, Ducey said, “Today is a tragic day for our nation. I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the loved ones of the U.S. forces killed and wounded in today’s terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. I am horrified by this attack on our brave service members as well as other innocent civilians in the area. Arizona joins all Americans in condemning this attack in the strongest possible terms. There are no words to express the depth of Americans’ sorrow and anger for this loss of life.”
Congressman Tom O’Halleran said in a press release, “I mourn the loss of brave American servicemembers who have fallen to the violent attacks in Kabul, with reports of at least 12 killed and 15 wounded. As we learn more about this unfolding crisis, my thoughts are with Americans and our allies on the ground, who our intelligence community has confirmed are facing immense danger. The U.S. government must do whatever it takes to rapidly evacuate all remaining American citizens and those who have aided us.
“Congress and the American people deserve answers from the administration and associated agencies involved in this evacuation that has now put the lives of so many at risk. These answers must include how and why our brave men and women serving abroad were lost in what now seems was a predicted set of attacks, what the specifics of the Biden Administration’s August 31 deadline agreement with the Taliban are, and what concrete plans are in place now to ensure we can safely evacuate our servicemembers, all Americans, all allies, and their families. We also must quickly understand what risks we face as a nation.”
Senator Mark Kelly stated in a press release, “These servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the Kabul airport and the evacuation of American citizens and our Afghan allies, and I am heartbroken for their families and loved ones. The Americans who deployed across the world at a moment’s notice in order to accomplish this mission are the best of us, and I am inspired by their continued courage and professionalism through a dangerous and deteriorating situation. The terrorists responsible for this attack on American troops and innocent civilians must be brought to justice.”
Rep. David Schweikert stated on Twitter, “The situation transpiring in Afghanistan is heartbreaking. My prayers go out to each and every one of our troops, Americans, and Afghan allies who are currently in Kabul. We must move swiftly to help everyone trapped by the Biden Administration’s chaotic withdrawal come home.”
Rep. Debbie Lesko stated in a press release, “After numerous intelligence briefings and reviewing the situation on the ground, it is clear that someone must be held accountable for the chaos that has unfolded in Afghanistan and led to the loss of American lives. From the outset, it has been apparent that the Biden Administration had no plan for a safe and effective withdrawal of U.S. military personnel, American citizens, and Afghan allies from Afghanistan.
“After much consultation with my Congressional colleagues who served in Afghanistan and studying of the ongoing situation, it is clear that the issues unfolding could have been avoided and, in many cases, that the poor decision-making that led to this chaos came straight from the top. It’s time for a change in leadership before any more American lives are lost. I call for the immediate resignation of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken.”
Rep. Andy Biggs stated on Twitter, “While Biden refuses to take questions today on his disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, 13 gold star families are in mourning. Biden isn’t a leader, he’s a coward.”
