WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden pledged Thursday to complete the evacuation of US citizens and others from Afghanistan, despite the deadly suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. He also promised to avenge the deaths, and told the extremists responsible for the attacks that: “We will go after you and make you pay.”
During a speech to the nation from the White House, Biden pointed out that the affiliate of the Islamic State group in Afghanistan was responsible for the attacks that killed 12 US military personnel and dozens of Afghan civilians. He noted that there was no evidence that they had conspired with the Taliban, who now control the nation.
“We have reason to believe we know who they are,” he said of the suicide bombers and gunmen who were involved. “It is not safe,” he added.
Up to 1,000 Americans and many more Afghans are still struggling to leave Afghanistan.
The attacks occurred on the 12th day of the accelerated evacuations and five days before the deadline to conclude the withdrawal. Some Republicans made arguments in favor of extending the evacuation process beyond the Aug. 31 deadline.
“If we can find out who is connected to this, we will go after them,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, who is overseeing the evacuation. He added that it would be a mistake for the United States to prematurely suspend the evacuation despite the risks.
The government has been singled out for the chaotic and deadly evacuation process that began formally only after the Taliban completed the takeover of Afghanistan. So far more than 100,000 people have been evacuated.
Thursday’s attacks will undoubtedly intensify political pressure on Biden, who was already facing harsh criticism for failing to initiate evacuations earlier. The president had announced last April that he would end the United States’ participation in the war and withdraw all troops by September.
The Republican leader in the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, called on the president of the chamber, Nancy Pelosi, to convene a new session to debate an initiative that prohibits the American withdrawal until all citizens have been evacuated. That’s highly unlikely, and Pelosi’s office scrapped the proposal, calling it an “empty maneuver.”
At the Pentagon, Gen. McKenzie noted that the armed forces believe the attacks on the airport perimeter were carried out by fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. He added that it is foreseeable that there will be more attacks.
After the suicide attack at the Abbey gate of the airport, several armed men from the group also known by the acronym ISIS opened fire on civilians and the military. There was also an attack on the Hotel Baron, which is located a short distance from the airport.
The attacks will not cause the United States to conclude its operations earlier than scheduled, McKenzie stressed.
“Let me be clear, while we are saddened by the loss of life, both Americans and Afghans, we will continue to carry out the mission,” he said. He added that there were about 5,000 people at the airport on Thursday waiting to board flights. He said it has been “useful to work with” the Taliban and they are not suspected of the attacks.