President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the US will respond with force as retaliation for the terrorist attack outside the Kabul airport. The deadly suicide bombings killed 13 US military personnel as well as dozens of Afghans. 18 troops received injuries as well.
RELATED: Biden has Blood on His Hands: 4 Marines Killed in Afghanistan After Suicide Attack
‘We Will Not Forgive’
Biden appeared on camera to address the horrific attack on US troops, who were helping organize evacuation proceedings in Kabul.
“To those who carried out this attack, as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive, we will not forget, we will hunt you down and make you pay. We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose, and at the moment of our choosing.”
Speaking from the White House, Biden said he already gave orders to military commanders. They will develop plans to strike assets, leaders, and facilities of ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State, or ISIS. The group reportedly will continue its planned attacks on US military personnel for the next few days.
More than 7,000 Evacuated
In addition, Biden also promised to continue evacuation efforts. He said that US military advisers remain committed to the withdrawal deadline of Tuesday.
However, he said that they will continue to work on getting people out of Afghanistan even after the deadline. At this time, the President said that more than 7,000 people already managed to leave Afghanistan. “We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, security outside the airport is preventing locals and non-passport holders from reaching the airport. This endangers thousands of Afghan locals who worked with the US during the occupation, even as they were promised they can leave as well.
As of August 25, Taliban soldiers manning checkpoints going to Kabul airport are only allowing US passport and green card holders to pass through for evacuation. When US Embassy officials became overwhelmed with thousands of visa applications, the State Department had to ask applicants to stay home until they receive clearance to proceed to the airport.
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Terrorist Attack
According to the Associated Press, at least 60 Afghans died while more than 140 sustained injuries. Earlier, two suicide bombers struck a crowded area outside Hamid Karzai International Airport.
It’s an area where many locals gather in the hopes of booking a flight out. An attack occurred at a crowded checkpoint where US security officers conducted pre-flight search inspections. Another attack happened at the nearby Baron Hotel.
The terrorist organization ISIS claimed responsibility for what it called its “martyrdom attack” at Kabul airport. The group is notorious for going against both the US and the Taliban.
Biden’s national security team found out about the terrorist attack as they gathered for a White House meeting with Biden. As reports began to pour in, Biden canceled all scheduled activities of the day to confer with Defense and State Department officials.
Prepare For More Attacks Until August 31
Earlier, Biden warned that everybody should expect more attacks as the August 31 deadline nears. However, the President stuck to his guns on the deadline, saying that the sooner they get Americans out, the better.
“Every day we’re on the ground is another day we know that ISIS-K is seeking to target the airport and attack both US and allied forces and innocent civilians,” he said in an earlier speech.
Watch the CBS Evening News reporting that ISIS-K claims responsibility for deadly Kabul attack:
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