US General Frank McKenzie fears terrorist group IS will strike again. The attack yesterday killed at least 60 Afghans and 13 American servicemen, according to the Afghan health ministry.
Rockets and car bombs
“We believe they want to continue these attacks and we expect these attacks to continue, we are doing everything we can to be ready,” said McKenzie. He added that he is taking into account rockets fired at the airport and car bombs. “Still, I think we can continue our mission,” he said of the intention to evacuate the 1,000 remaining Americans in Afghanistan.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the bombing a “devastating reminder of the perilous conditions” in which US military personnel and diplomats have to operate. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated from Kabul since the Taliban took power, Blinken said. US President Joe Biden spoke of “a difficult day” in a speech. “These soldiers gave their lives to save the lives of others, they are heroes.”
Biden warned those responsible for the deadly attack. “We will not forgive you, we will not forget you, we will make you pay.”
See also: ‘IS could get very close to Americans’
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despicable attack
Shocked reactions to the attack came from all over the world. French President Emmanuel Macron offered his condolences to the families of the American and Afghan victims. He praises the “heroic actions of those in Kabul carrying out the evacuations.”
Support is also expressed elsewhere in Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the “whole international community sympathizes with the Afghans”. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi condemned the “despicable and appalling attack on defenseless people seeking freedom” and Polish President Andrzej Duda called it a “cowardly act”.
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horrific terrorism
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his heart broke for the people of Afghanistan. He promised to do everything he could to receive Afghan refugees in his country. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke of a “despicable attack on many innocent families who were simply seeking safety because of the incredibly difficult and vulnerable situation in Afghanistan.”
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned ‘the horrific attack’ in ‘the strongest terms’. The same ministry of Saudi Arabia writes that the attacks are “incompatible with all religious principles and human values”. Egypt speaks of ‘horrific terrorism’.
See also – Calling, sweating, calling: Milad’s father’s way to the last evacuation flight
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Rutte: enormous tragedy
The Dutch outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also expressed his disgust at the attack. “Horrible news,” the prime minister wrote. “Many dead and injured, in the midst of people looking for safety. A huge tragedy.”
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