Page semi-protected

2021 Kabul airport attack

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2021 Kabul airport attack
Part of the ISIL–Taliban conflict,
2021 Afghanistan attacks
LocationHamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan
Coordinates34°33′31″N 69°13′13″E / ���34.55861°N 69.22028°E / 34.55861; 69.22028Coordinates: 34°33′31″N 69°13′13″E / 34.55861°N 69.22028°E / 34.55861; 69.22028
Date26 August 2021 (2021-08-26)
17:50 (UTC+04:30)
TargetAfghan civilians, foreign troops, and Taliban members
Attack type
Suicide bombing[1][2]
Deaths183+[3]
Injured150+[4][5]
Perpetrators Islamic State – Khorasan Province[6][7]
AssailantAbdul Rahman al-Logari[8]

A suicide bombing took place at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 26 August 2021, at 17:50 local time (13:20 UTC),[9] during the evacuation from Afghanistan.[1][6][10][11] At least 183 people were killed, including 170 Afghan civilians and 13 members of the United States military,[12][4] the first American military casualties in the War in Afghanistan since February 2020.[13] The Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP) claimed responsibility for the attack.[14]

On 27 August, the United States launched an airstrike which the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) said was against three suspected IS-KP members in Nangarhar Province.[15] On 29 August, the US conducted a second drone strike in Kabul, targeting a vehicle which they suspected was carrying IS-KP members, but actually carried an Afghan aid worker. Ten Afghan civilians were killed in the drone strike, including seven children.[16]

Background

Further information: 2021 Kabul airlift

After the fall of Kabul to the Taliban on 15 August 2021, Hamid Karzai International Airport was the only way out of Afghanistan.[17] Security concerns grew after hundreds of members of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province escaped from jails at Bagram and Pul-e-Charkhi.[18][19] On 16 August, the Pentagon warned the US Congress about the increased threat of a terrorist attack by ISIS following the fall of Kabul the previous day.[20][21] US President Joe Biden received multiple reports of a possible attack during the week preceding the attack,[22] and warned on 22 August in remarks from the White House that the longer US troops remained in the country, the greater the threat that ISIS would pose to American personnel and civilians near the airport.[23]

Hours before the attack, US diplomats in Kabul warned American citizens to leave the airport because of security threats.[24] United Kingdom Armed Forces Minister James Heappey had also warned of a highly credible threat of attack at the airport by ISIS militants.[25][26] The embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia also warned about high-security threats involving the airport.[27]

Attack

Amid the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan, a crowd of local and foreign civilians fled to the airport to be evacuated.[5] At Abbey Gate, one of the gates into the airport, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt.[2] After the explosion, gunfire erupted and all gates to the airport were closed.[28] US officials said that IS-KP gunmen opened fire into the crowd after the explosion and US troops returned fire.[2] According to several reporters, eyewitnesses attributed at least some of the gunfire into the crowd and consequent deaths after the explosion to panic by US troops.[29][30][31] The Pentagon acknowledged the possibility of US responsibility for some deaths in a news conference on 28 August.[32]

The explosion occurred by a canal where US forces were checking evacuees' passports, visas and other documentation before allowing them inside the airport. An eyewitness stated that the explosion felt as if someone had pulled the ground from under his feet, and saw other evacuees thrown into the air by the force of the blast.[33] Initial reports erroneously stated that a second explosion had taken place at the nearby Baron Hotel.[34][35] The following day, it was confirmed that there was no such second explosion.[36]

The attack was carried out by IS-KP, which claimed responsibility and named the bomber as Abdul Rahman Al Logari.[6][8] The Taliban have fought against IS–KP previously.[37] When asked how the terrorists were able to pass through the Taliban's checkpoints, General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., head of USCENTCOM, said: "As to whether or not they [the Taliban] let it happen, I don't know. ... I don't think there's anything to convince me that they let it happen."[38]

Victims

Remains of US service members aboard a military transport plane at Hamid Karzai International Airport, 27 August 2021

At least 182 people were killed during the attack, including 169 Afghan civilians, and 13 US service members supporting the evacuation operation. Two of the killed civilians were British dual-nationals and one was the child of a British national.[3][39] It was initially reported that 28 Taliban fighters had also been killed in the attack, but this was later denied by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.[40] The dead Americans were identified as eleven marines, one soldier from 8th Psychological Operations Group, and one Navy corpsman.[5][12][41][42] The American deaths were the first US service deaths in Afghanistan since February 2020 and were the largest single loss of life of US military personnel since the 2011 Afghanistan Boeing Chinook shootdown.[43]

At least 150 more people were injured,[4] including 18 US military personnel and a number of Taliban members.[44]

Reactions and response

Through a tweet by their spokesperson, the Taliban condemned the attack, saying "evil circles will be strictly stopped".[45] The Taliban later announced that they would take every possible measure to capture IS-KP leader, Shahab al-Muhajir.[46] Abdullah Abdullah, former Chief Executive of Afghanistan and current National Coalition of Afghanistan leader, condemned the attack.[47] Some civilians claimed to reporters that the attack had strengthened their resolve to evacuate from the country in fear of more attacks.[48]

US President Biden made a public address following the attack. He honored the US service members who were killed, calling them "heroes" and saying they lost their lives "in the service of liberty", and also expressed deep sorrow for the Afghan victims. Biden said to those who wished harm upon the US that "we will hunt you down and make you pay".[49] The United Kingdom government also said that they will continue Operation Pitting, the evacuation from Afghanistan.[50]

Many nations expressed condemnation for the Kabul airport attack and solidarity with the victims and troops conducting evacuations at the airport.[note 1] The attack was also condemned by the European Commission[72] and the United Nations.[73] German Chancellor Angela Merkel cancelled an upcoming trip to Israel, and would stay in Germany to monitor the evacuation of German troops.[74] Biden also rescheduled a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett because of the attack.[49][75] The United Kingdom said civilian evacuations would continue in spite of the attack.[50]

US airstrikes

See also: List of drone strikes in Afghanistan § 2021

On 27 August, the United States launched an airstrike against what US military said was a vehicle carrying three IS-KP members in Nangarhar Province. Two were killed, who were described by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby as "high-profile ISIS targets" and "planners and facilitators"; the third occupant of the vehicle was injured. A US defence official said that one of the strike targets was "associated with potential future attacks at the airport", and that the US had located him with "sufficient knowledge" to strike.[76] CENTCOM identified him on 23 September as Kabir Aidi (alias "Mustafa"), and stated that he was involved in planning attacks and making magnetic IEDs. It also stated that he was directly involved with the orchestrators of the bombing and was reportedly helping distribute explosives and suicide vests to target people during the evacuation. The second person killed in the strike was identified as an ISIS collaborator who had been involved in the 2020 Kabul University attack, but his identity was not known.[77]

Main article: August 2021 Kabul drone strike

On 29 August, a drone strike was carried out by the United States, targeting a vehicle a few kilometers from Kabul Airport. According to relatives, 10 nearby civilians were killed, including seven children.[78][79] Some of those killed had worked for international organisations and held visas allowing them US entry.[78][79] US officials said there were a number of explosions following the drone strike, implying explosives at the scene, however victims relatives rejected that any subsequent explosions had occurred and stated the driver of the car did not have any connection with the group.[80] A preliminary investigation conducted into the 29th August drone strike by the American military said the targeted vehicle had visited what was believed to be a safe house for IS-KP by intelligence analysts. It however found no concrete proof that there were explosives inside, though stating it was "possible to probable", and a commander had given the order after seeing no civilians on live feed, only for them to appear a few seconds later.[81]

An investigation conducted by The New York Times however found that the targeted driver, identified as Zemari Ahmadi, was an aid worker for Nutrition and Education International, and that his movements that raised the military's suspicion, was him picking up and later dropping off his office colleagues. It also reported that the packages which were believed to be explosives might have simply been water containers, and there was no evidence of secondary explosions. The newspaper stated that the actual number of dead was 10 people, including 7 children.[82][83]

Another investigation by The Washington Post reached similar conclusions, with two experts stating that there may have been a smaller secondary explosion due to fuel vapors, which would have appeared more powerful than it actually was, causing the military to believe the vehicle contained explosives. A former US Air force operator claimed the damage was consistent with the car containing explosives.[84]

On 17 September, the head of USCENTCOM Kenneth McKenzie confirmed it was unlikely any IS-KP members were killed in the August 29 drone strike. The Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley confirmed all of those killed in the strike were innocent civilians. The investigation by the United States military also concluded that a supposed secondary explosion they believed to be evidence of explosives, might have been due to a propane or gas tank.[16][85] A CNN report revealed that the Central Intelligence Agency had warned the military of civilians in the area after they fired the missile and only seconds before it struck.[86]

Reactions to the airstrikes

After the drone strike on 27 August, US President Joe Biden said they had pursued those responsible for the attack on the airport as he had previously said they would, and they would continue to do so.[87]

The Council on American–Islamic Relations, Code Pink and Amnesty International condemned the 29 August drone strike, calling it a continuation of American policy of killing civilians without accountability.[88][89][90] Amnesty further called for "a credible and transparent investigation" into the strike, acknowledgment by the United States for its actions and reparations for the deceased, and adherence to international law by the United States.[91] US House Representative Ilhan Omar also condemned the strike on Twitter.[90]

Mark Milley defended the strike on 1 September as "righteous" after doubts were raised about it, while claiming one of the persons killed in it was an IS-KP member and they had followed due procedure. He admitted that others were killed in the strike.[92] White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on 2 September acknowledged that civilians had been killed in the strike and stated that an investigation was ongoing.[93] After the publishing of journalistic reports casting doubt on the military's account, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby on 13 September defended the strike, saying it prevented an attack on the airport.[94]

After the US military confirmed that the drone strike had killed innocent civilians, House Representative Ruben Gallego termed the admission "devastating" and called on the Department of Defense to brief the House of Representatives on it as soon as they could.[16] A relative of the victim meanwhile stated that an apology was not enough and that the United States must punish the person responsible for the strike, offer compensation, and evacuate some members of the family out of Afghanistan.[95]

Notes

  1. ^ They include Australia,[51] Canada,[52] China,[53] Denmark,[54] Finland,[55] France,[56] Hungary,[57] India,[58] Indonesia,[59] Iran,[60] Israel,[61] Kazakhstan,[62] Malaysia,[63] New Zealand,[64] Norway,[65] Poland,[66] Romania,[67] Russia,[68] Turkey,[69] Ukraine,[70] the United Kingdom,[50][22] the United States,[49] and Vietnam.[71]

References

  1. ^ a b Atwood, Kylie; Sciutto, Jim; Starr, Barbara (26 August 2021). "Officials: Explosion at Kabul airport appears to be a suicide attack". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Seligman, Laura; Ward, Alexander; Desiderio, Andrew; Lippman, Daniel; McLeary, Paul (26 August 2021). "13 U.S. troops killed in ISIS attacks on Kabul airport". Politico. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b Hashemi, Sayed Ziarmal; Baldor, Lolita C.; Gannon, Kathy; Knickmeyer, Ellen (27 August 2021). "US forces keep up Kabul airlift under threat of more attacks". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Kabul airport attack: What do we know?". BBC News. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Varshalomidze, Tamila; Siddiqui, Usaid; Regencia, Ted (26 August 2021). "Civilians, US troops among dozens killed in Kabul blasts". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b c Pasko, Simcha (26 August 2021). "Biden on Kabul suicide bombings: 'We will hunt you down and make you pay'". The Jerusalem Post. Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  7. ^ Elhamy, Ahmad; Zengerle, Patricia; Martina, Michael (26 August 2021). "Kabul attacks put bitter adversary Islamic State back into U.S. sights". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b Burke, Jason (26 August 2021). "Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul airport blasts". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  9. ^ "Kabul explosions: 13 US soldiers and 72 Afghans killed in Islamic State suicide bombings". Euronews. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  10. ^ Ross, Jamie; Rohrlich, Justin; Yousafzai, Sami; Ibrahim, Noor (26 August 2021). "Sheer Chaos: At Least 13 U.S. Troops Killed as Blasts Rock Kabul Airport". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  11. ^ Kottasová, Ivana; Starr, Barbara; Atwood, Kylie; Paton Walsh, Nick; Kiley, Sam; Cohen, Zachary; Hansler, Jennifer; Lister, Tim (26 August 2021). "US troops and Afghans killed in suicide attacks outside Kabul airport". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  12. ^ a b Trofimov, Yaroslav; Youssef, Nancy A.; Rasmussen, Sune Engel (26 August 2021). "Kabul Airport Attack Kills 13 U.S. Service Members, at Least 90 Afghans". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  13. ^ "Afghanistan: US will hunt down Kabul airport attack jihadists, says Biden". BBC News. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  14. ^ Brown, Matthew; Garrison, Joey; Brook, Tom Vanden; Meyer, Josh; Subramanian, Courtney; Morin, Rebecca (26 August 2021). "Latest from Afghanistan: Biden: 'We will not forgive'; Navy confirms 13th US service member killed in Kabul". USA Today. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  15. ^ Crawford, Jamie; Liebermann, Oren (27 August 2021). "US military conducts airstrike against ISIS-K planner". CNN. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  16. ^ a b c Schmitt, Eric; Cooper, Helene (17 September 2021). "Pentagon acknowledges Aug. 29 drone strike in Afghanistan was a tragic mistake that killed 10 civilians". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  17. ^ "Taliban Fighters Enter Kabul As Helicopters Land at U.S. Embassy". NPR. Associated Press. 15 August 2021. Archived from the original on 15 August 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  18. ^ Sciutto, Jim; Lister, Tim (26 August 2021). "US concerned about 'very specific threat stream' from ISIS-K against crowds outside Kabul airport". CNN. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Kabul bomber was held in Delhi 5 years ago, claims IS magazine". The Times of India. 19 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021. {{cite web}}: |first1= missing |last1= (help)
  20. ^ Seligman, Lara; Ward, Alexander; Desiderio, Andrew (24 August 2021). "ISIS terrorist threats jeopardize Afghanistan evacuation, Pentagon assessment warns". Politico. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  21. ^ Seligman, Lara (16 August 2021). "Pentagon warns of worsening terrorist threat as Taliban seize Afghanistan". Politico. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  22. ^ a b Liptak, Kevin (26 August 2021). "Biden warned of a potential attack in Kabul multiple times over past week". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  23. ^ "The Latest: Biden warns of IS threat to Kabul evacuation". Associated Press. 22 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  24. ^ Collinson, Stephen (26 August 2021). "Apparent suicide attack rocks Afghanistan evacuation as Biden's deadline looms". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  25. ^ Meredith, Sam (26 August 2021). "UK reports 'high threat' of terrorist attack at Kabul airport; U.S. urges people to stay away". CNBC. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  26. ^ Morris, Sophie (26 August 2021). "Afghanistan: 'Very lethal attack' could occur at Kabul airport in matter of hours, minister says". Sky News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  27. ^ "Afghanistan: US, allies warn of 'terror threat' at Kabul airport". Al Jazeera. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  28. ^ Norman, Greg (26 August 2021). "Kabul airport explosion described as 'complex attack'". Fox News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  29. ^ Conley, Julia (28 August 2021). "Biden vows to continue drone strikes in Afghanistan following airport attack: "Make them pay"". Salon.com. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  30. ^ Khalid, Asma (29 August 2021). "Updates From Kabul After The Attack at the Airport". NPR. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  31. ^ Shear, Michael D. (26 August 2021). "President Biden condemns terrorist attack and vows to hunt down those responsible". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  32. ^ Cooper, Helene; Schmitt, Eric (28 August 2021). "A reprisal strike killed two ISIS militants and wounded another". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  33. ^ Moore, Mark (26 August 2021). "Kabul airport suicide bombing witness says young girl died in his arms". New York Post. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  34. ^ Ali, Idrees; Landay, Jonathan; Pamuk, Humeyra (26 August 2021). "Pentagon bracing for more attacks after troops killed at Kabul airport". Reuters. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  35. ^ "Pentagon confirms second explosion near Kabul airport and "a number of US and civilian casualties"". CNN. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  36. ^ Ali, Idrees (27 August 2021). "Pentagon says Kabul attack carried out by one suicide bomber". Reuters. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  37. ^ "Taliban fought IS with 'limited' US military support, US general reveals". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 19 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  38. ^ Goodenough, Patrick (26 August 2021). "CENTCOM Head: US Military and Taliban 'Share a Common Purpose,' Doesn't Believe Taliban Let Attack Happen". CNSNews. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  39. ^ "British victims of Kabul terror attack: Foreign Secretary's statement" (Press release). Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Taliban Denies Fighters Killed in Kabul Airport Attack". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Defense Department releases names of US service members killed in Afghanistan". CNN. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  42. ^ Kottasová, Ivana; Starr, Barbara; Atwood, Kylie; Paton Walsh, Nick; Kiley, Sam; Cohen, Zachary; Woodyatt, Amy; Hansler, Jennifer; Gan, Nectar (27 August 2021). "Evacuation from Afghanistan in final phase after deadly Kabul airport attack". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  43. ^ "U.S. on alert for further Kabul attacks in race to complete evacuations". Reuters. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  44. ^ Hashemi, Sayed Ziarmal; Faiez, Rahim; Baldor, Lolita C.; Krauss, Joseph (26 August 2021). "Kabul airport attack kills 60 Afghans, 13 US troops". Associated Press. Retrieved 26 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  45. ^ "Taliban condemns suicide bombing at Kabul airport". Fox News. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  46. ^ Farmer, Ben (27 August 2021). "Ambitious new Isis-K leader becomes Taliban's most wanted enemy after Kabul attacks". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Abdullah Abdullah condemns airport attack". Al Jazeera. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  48. ^ Hashemi, Sayed Ziarmal; Akhgar, Tameem; Gannon, Kathy; Anna, Cara (27 August 2021). "Evacuations resume with new urgency after Kabul airport bombing as death toll now over 160". KABC-TV. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  49. ^ a b c Madhani, Aamer (26 August 2021). "Israeli PM and Biden postpone meeting because of Afghanistan". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  50. ^ a b c McGuinness, Alan (26 August 2021). "Afghanistan: Boris Johnson says UK's evacuation operation will continue despite 'barbaric' Kabul attack". Sky News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  51. ^ Evans, Jake (27 August 2021). "Prime Minister Scott Morrison mourns deaths of 'American and Afghan friends' in Kabul airport attack". ABC News. Australia. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  52. ^ Trudeau, Justin [@JustinTrudeau] (26 August 2021). "We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Kabul. Our hearts break for the people of Afghanistan and the loved ones of the victims, including the brave women and men of our Allies. We will continue working with our partners to support Afghans and resettle refugees in Canada" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  53. ^ "China strongly condemns Kabul airport attacks". Reuters. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  54. ^ Kofod, Jeppe [@JeppeKofod] (26 August 2021). "My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed by the horrific and despicable terror attacks in Kabul. We pay tribute to the brave US troops who were killed and injured whilst helping to evacuate people out of #HKIA under extremely difficult circumstances" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  55. ^ Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland [@Ulkoministerio] (26 August 2021). "FM @Haavisto: Deepest condolences to families and loved ones of victims and wounded in the terrorist attack in Kabul #HKIA A brutal attack against innocent civilians and those trying to help them" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  56. ^ Aitken, Peter (26 August 2021). "Afghanistan explosions: World leaders react". Fox News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  57. ^ "Orbán Sends Condolences to US President Over Deadly Kabul Attacks". Hungary Today. Magyar Távirati Iroda. 28 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  58. ^ Laskar, Rezaul H. (27 August 2021). "India condemns Kabul airport attack". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  59. ^ Yulianingsih, Tanti (27 August 2021). "Indonesia Kecam Ledakan dari Serangan Teroris di Bandara Kabul Afghanistan". Liputan 6 (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  60. ^ Mukthar, Ibrahim (27 August 2021). "Iran condemns Kabul airport attack". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  61. ^ Lapid, Yair [@yairlapid] (26 August 2021). "I am shocked and saddened by the horrific terror attack in Kabul. The prayers of the people of Israel are with the families of the civilians and soldiers who were murdered today. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorism" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  62. ^ Toqayev, Qasym-Jomart [@TokayevKZ] (27 August 2021). "On behalf of the people of Kazakhstan, I express our sincere condolences to President Biden and the American people on multiple casualties and injuries among the US service members caused by terrorist attack at the Kabul International Airport" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  63. ^ "Malaysia condemns Kabul Airport terror attacks". New Straits Times. Bernama. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  64. ^ Small, Zane (27 August 2021). "Afghanistan: Jacinda Ardern condemns 'despicable attack' in Kabul as final Defence Force evacuee flight lands safely in UAE". Newshub. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  65. ^ Søreide, Ine Eriksen [@NorwayMFA] (26 August 2021). "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack outside #Kabul airport. Innocent civilians trying to leave the country have become victims of this terrible act of cruelty. Our thoughts are with those affected, their families and loved ones. FM #EriksenSoreide" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  66. ^ Duda, Andrzej [@AndrzejDuda] (26 August 2021). "I condemn in strongest terms the heinous attacks at Kabul airport that resulted in dozens of casualties, including US army soldiers, our Allies. My prayers go to the families of those affected by this act of cowardice. Poland stands with our US and Afghani friends" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ Șelaru, Cristi (26 August 2021). "România este pe acceași lungime de undă cu talibanii: Condamnă atentatele din Kabul". Stiri pe surse (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  68. ^ Antonov, Anatoly [@RusEmbUSA] (27 August 2021). "#Antonov: I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the terrorist attack in #Kabul. And wish all the injured a speedy recovery" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  69. ^ Çavuşoğlu, Mevlüt [@MevlutCavusoglu] (26 August 2021). "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives after today's attack in #Kabul. Strongly condemn this heinous terror attack. Express my condolences to the families of those killed & my wishes for a speedy recovery to those wounded" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  70. ^ Zelensky, Volodymyr [@ZelenskyyUa] (26 August 2021). "Terrible terrorist attack in #Kabul. Deepest condolences to the people of the US & Afghanistan, to the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the wounded. Terrorism must be condemned by all parties in Afghanistan. We must work jointly to evacuate those who need help" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  71. ^ Vu, Minh (1 September 2021). "Vietnam condemns bombing attack in Kabul". Hanoi Times. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  72. ^ von der Leyen, Ursula [@vonderleyen] (26 August 2021). "I strongly condemn the cowardly and inhuman attacks on Kabul airport. It is essential to do everything to ensure the safety of people at the airport. The international community must work closely together to avoid a resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan and beyond" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  73. ^ Guterres, António [@antonioguterres] (26 August 2021). "I'm following with grave concern the situation at Kabul's airport & strongly condemn today's horrific terrorist attack. The incident underscores the volatility of Afghanistan, but also strengthens our resolve as we continue to deliver urgent assistance to the Afghan people" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  74. ^ Laco, Kelly (26 August 2021). "Merkel cancels trip to Israel amid Afghanistan crisis, heightening fears of increasing instability in region". Fox News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  75. ^ Eichner, Itamar (27 August 2021). "Biden and Bennett speak on the phone following meeting delay". Ynet. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  76. ^ Starr, Barbara; LeBlanc, Paul (28 August 2021). "Biden says another terrorist attack on Kabul airport is 'highly likely' while vowing that US retaliatory strike was not 'the last'". CNN. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  77. ^ Brest, Mike (24 September 2021). "US releases identity of target of first Afghanistan drone strike during withdrawal". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  78. ^ a b Bulos, Nabih; Yam, Marcus; King, Laura; Hernandez, Melissa (30 August 2021). "Family says 7 children were killed in Kabul drone strike; U.S. is investigating". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  79. ^ a b Sidhu, Sandi; Paton Walsh, Nick; Lister, Tim; Liebermann, Oren; Smith-Spark, Laura; Vandoorne, Saskya (30 August 2021). "Ten family members, including children, dead after US strike in Kabul". CNN. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  80. ^ Aikins, Matthieu; Rahim, Najim; Schmitt, Eric (30 August 2021). "Afghan Family Says Errant U.S. Missile Killed 10, Including 7 Children". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  81. ^ Schmitt, Eric (5 September 2021). "Military Analysis Raises Questions About Deadly Drone Strike in Kabul". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  82. ^ Aikins, Matthieu; Koettl, Christoph; Hill, Evan; Schmitt, Eric (10 September 2021). "Times Investigation: In U.S. Drone Strike, Evidence Suggests No ISIS Bomb". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 September 2021. And an analysis of video feeds showed that what the military may have seen was Mr. Ahmadi and a colleague loading canisters of water into his trunk to bring home to his family.
  83. ^ Miller, Andrew Mark (10 September 2021). "US Kabul drone strike appears to have killed an Afghan who worked for a US aid group: report". Fox News. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  84. ^ Horton, Alex; Cahlan, Sarah; Bennett, Dalton; Sohyun Lee, Joyce; Kelly, Meg; Samuels, Elyse (10 September 2021). "Examining a 'righteous' strike". The Washington Post. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  85. ^ Morris, Kyle (17 September 2021). "General says it is unlikely ISIS-K members killed in August Kabul drone strike: 'A tragic mistake'". Fox News. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  86. ^ Bo Lillis, Katie; Cohen, Zachary; Bertrand, Natasha (18 September 2021). "CIA warned children were possibly present seconds before US missile killed 10". CNN. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  87. ^ Reardon, Sophie (28 August 2021). "Biden says another attack in Afghanistan is "highly likely" in the next 24 to 36 hours". CBS News. Retrieved 17 September 2021. "I said we would go after the group responsible for the attack on our troops and innocent civilians in Kabul, and we have," Mr. Biden said in his statement.
  88. ^ "CAIR deplores US strike that allegedly killed Afghan civilians, urges probe". The New Arab. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  89. ^ Varshalomidze, Tamila; Siddiqui, Usaid; Regencia, Ted (30 August 2021). "US has 'responsibility' to families of civilians killed in drone strike: Amnesty". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  90. ^ a b Johnson, Jake (30 August 2021). "Demand for 'Moratorium on Drone Warfare' Follows Latest US Killing of Afghan Civilians". Common Dreams. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  91. ^ "Amnesty International calls for investigation into US airstrike that killed family of ten in Kabul". RJR 94 FM. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  92. ^ Szuba, Jared (1 September 2021). "Pentagon defends Kabul drone strike as 'righteous'". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  93. ^ Gannon, Kathy (2 September 2021). "US defends strike that Afghan family says killed innocents". Associated Press. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  94. ^ Martinez, Luis; Seyler, Matt (14 September 2021). "US military investigating Kabul drone strike". ABC News. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  95. ^ Gannon, Kathy (18 September 2021). "Afghan survivors of errant US drone strike seek probe". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
Retrieved from ""