Legislators react to Kabul attack, soldier deaths

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Smoke rises from a deadly explosion outside the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon)

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.

Alabama legislators are reacting to the attacks.

In a press release, Rep. Gary Palmer said, “I am heartbroken and infuriated by the reports coming out of Afghanistan. President Biden’s incredibly stupid decision to set August 31st as the evacuation deadline, his failure to maintain control of Bagram Airbase, and his failure to secure exit routes for the safe and orderly evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies have led to this tragedy. Over the last 18 months, no U.S. military members were killed, but today we have lost at least 12. This tragedy was preventable and unnecessary, and it is time for President Biden and his administration to take full responsibility for it.

“Twelve American soldiers are now dead, yet the American people have had to wait hours to hear from the President. Whatever his message of condolences might be, it will ring hollow in the face of such incomprehensible incompetence. With our forces essentially surrounded by ISIS-K and the Taliban, President Biden needs to face the crisis head on and react with swiftness and force to make sure we get our people and our allies safely out.” 

Congressman Mo Brooks wrote on Twitter, “President Biden has embarrassed America with his botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Now his decisions have led to dead Americans in Kabul. Biden should take responsibility for this disgrace and resign immediately.”

Rep. Terri Sewell stated on Twitter, “I’m devastated to learn of the explosions outside the Kabul airport. I’m monitoring the situation closely and sending prayers to any U.S. personnel or Afghan citizens wounded or killed in the attack.”

Rep. Barry Moore stated, “Devastating. Praying for our troops and every American still stranded in Afghanistan. We MUST bring them ALL home safely.”

Senator Richard Shelby said, “Deeply saddened by the attacks today in Kabul and the many U.S. servicemembers killed while heroically working to protect our citizens and allies. Praying for their families and loved ones during this time of tragedy, and for the safety of our forces still on the ground in Kabul.”