Afghanistan: “We will not forgive, will not forget” – Biden

After the deadly suicide bombings that rocked an entrance of the Kabul airport today. President Biden after being in constant contact with his security team and allies finally came out and addressed the nation.

He ordered the military to take out ISIS-K assets, leaders, etc., and a terror threat was looming since over a week. White House had already urged all Americans to leave the premises and not travel towards the airport, but the desperate Afghans however, did not listen.

In his speech today, Biden promised to hunt down those responsible and those who wish America harm. He also announced that “[America] will not forgive, and [America] will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.”

Twelve US service members lost their lives in the deadly attack, the worst since 2011, and over 60 civilians (mostly Afghans) were killed, with over 150 injured.

Biden also showed interest to send in more troops if asked and required by the military. During the address, he also offered a moment’s silence to honor those in uniform and out of uniform.

President Biden declared that the evacuations will not stop and said his Administration will try to evacuate some Afghans after the August 31 deadline. At the moment, it is uncertain how exactly those Afghans would be evacuated after the deadline as the Taliban have already reiterated their stance of not letting any more Afghans leave the country. They have checkpoints on roads that lead to the airport, and screen out all of the people who do not have a foreign passport, permanent residency, or visa.