Biden Pledges to ‘Hunt Down’ Those Behind Airport Attack
The two back-to-back explosions outside Kabul airport that claimed over 100 lives have been met with sharp reactions by world leaders and international organizations including the United Nations.
US President Joe Biden pledged that the people behind the attack will face retribution. Thirteen US soldiers also lost their lives in the explosions.
“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,” Biden said at a press conference hours after the attack.
Biden also said the attack will not stop the evacuation of Americans and the Afghans who have worked for American organizations.
“We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation. I have also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision at our time, the place we choose and the moment we choose,” he added.
The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said the explosions will not stop the evacuation of at risk-Afghans.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, has also condemned the attack.
“I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside Kabul airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible,” Stoltenberg said in a tweet.
Germany Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has also condemned the explosions.
“We don’t know all the details of the explosions. Insurgents have attacked the people waiting for evacuation outside the airport. This is an ugly attack in an unstable situation,” Merkel said.
The United Nations has also sharply reacted to the attack saying that it shows the political uncertainty in Afghanistan.
“I just spoke to Secretary General who is following with great concern the ongoing situation in Kabul, especially at the airport. He condemns this terrorist attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary General.
The explosions happened amid evacuation operations of foreign nationals as well as at-risk Afghans. The evacuation process is expected to end by August 31.
