KABUL / WASHINGTON. What is Joe Biden’s reaction to the devastating terrorist attack at Kabul airport? The US President answered this question in an at first emotionally touched, but then also tough announcement. “We will hunt you down and make you pay for it,” he threatened the masterminds behind the suicide bombing. According to the British Ministry of Defense, 60 to 80 civilians and 13 US soldiers were killed in the attack on Thursday. Dozens of people were injured.
Afghan health authorities are now speaking of 79 dead locals in the hospitals of Kabul. By contrast, the militant Islamist Taliban, who have been in power in the crisis state for two weeks, initially reported only 13 to 20 civilians killed.
The offshoot of the IS terrorist militia, which is active in Afghanistan, claimed the attack for itself. Looking at the group, Biden said that the US had information on where the masterminds of the attack were – and that they would find ways to hold them accountable “wherever they are” without any major military intervention. His haunting words to the terrorists: “We will not forgive. We will not forget.”
The detonation occurred at a gate to the airport grounds where US soldiers were deployed. A number of IS fighters then opened fire on civilians and soldiers, said US General Kenneth McKenzie. He warned of further attacks. Great Britain is also assuming a growing danger. Russia fears that violence will spread to Afghanistan’s neighbors.
The evacuation operation of the 5,000 US soldiers should end as planned on Tuesday next week, said Biden. The terrorists could not bring the USA to stop their “mission”, said the US President with a view to the Americans who remained in the country. “We’ll find her, and we’ll get her out of there.”
105,000 people evacuated
After Spain, Sweden and Germany, Italy and Great Britain also ended their evacuation flights yesterday. On the other hand, a French government official said that the operation could “perhaps continue”. According to the US government, more than 105,000 people have been evacuated since August 14. Despite the attack, the flights continued yesterday. Around 12,500 people were evacuated within 24 hours.
“Forget” sensitive data
According to a report in the London Times, British diplomats made a serious mistake in evacuating their embassy in Kabul. They are said to have left sensitive data on Afghan local staff and applicants. According to a reporter who was able to enter the building with the permission of the Taliban, names, addresses and telephone numbers could be found on documents lying around there.
