Olis Johnson with Joe Biden Condemned the terrorist attack acceptance The airport killed dozens of people and vowed to continue military evacuation before the August 31 deadline.
Officials said that in a “complex attack” outside Hamid Karzai International Airport on Thursday, at least 13 American troops were killed along with 60 Afghan nationals, and more than 150 others were injured, including 15 American servicemen. personnel.
this Prime Minister It is said that “the vast majority” of those eligible have been helped by the Royal Air Force to escape from the Taliban. Despite the “barbaric” incident, the British army will “persist in until the last minute” to evacuate others.
At the same time, the President of the United States stated in a speech to the American people that their own air operations “will not be intimidated by terrorists.”
He said that the attack included two bombings and shootings and was believed to have been carried out by Isis-K, an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State of Afghanistan, and added: “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and let You pay the price.”
this Ministry of Defense Indicates that there were no reports of casualties of the British military or the British government.
On Thursday night, the British Ministry of Defence confirmed that the UK has evacuated 13,146 British nationals, Afghans, embassy staff and nationals from partner countries since August 13.
After presiding over the emergency cobra meeting on Thursday, Mr. Johnson said: “I can confirm that there was a brutal terrorist attack in Kabul, the airport, the airport, and it looked like a series of attacks. Sadly lost their lives, there are still many Afghans casualties.”
The Prime Minister told reporters in Downing Street that the evacuation plan will be “completely” according to “our timetable.”
He said: “I want to emphasize that we will continue to carry out this operation. In any case, we are now nearing the end, nearing the end. We have extracted the vast majority of people under these two plans, that is, those who meet the conditions. , British, British nationals, as well as Afghans, interpreters and others.
“This is an extraordinary effort in the UK, and there has never been such a thing in decades.”
The British Minister is one of the people in the international community who paid tribute to the victims of the attack.
Defense Minister Ben Wallace said: “My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their loved ones in these meaningless attacks at Kabul Airport today.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the American victims and express my full support to our closest allies.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Tonight I called US Secretary of State Anthony Brinken to express our grief that the US military was killed in Kabul today and more people were injured. They made the greatest sacrifice while helping others. Reach the safety zone.
“I also want to express my condolences to the families of all Afghans who were killed or injured. Sadly, they were attacked by terrorists in their search for safety.
“Today’s attack is a clear reminder that British military and civilian personnel have been working hard to evacuate people from dangerous situations, and we should be proud of their bravery and achievements.”
At the same time, Secretary of Transportation Grant Sharps issued an aviation notice that further advised airlines to avoid Afghan airspace below 25,000 feet.
Earlier this week, the United States rejected Britain’s call to extend the withdrawal deadline beyond August 31. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Thursday that the US military still intends to leave Afghanistan on that date.
After U.S. President Joe Biden refused to extend the time frame request, Mr. Johnson vowed that “we will do everything we can to get others” to evacuate U.S. troops before the deadline for the withdrawal of British troops.
But the Prime Minister admitted that although the “largest share” of eligible Afghans has been withdrawn from the country, “there are still people who need help.”
The United States is providing security at Kabul Airport, which means that other Allied forces are expected to have to reduce their evacuation efforts and leave before the Americans.
President Biden said at a press conference that the United States will now focus on finding the culprit of the attack “without large-scale military operations.”
He added: “With regard to finding and tracking the ISIS leaders who ordered this operation, we have reason to believe that we know who they are. We are not sure. We will find the method of our choice without the need for large-scale military operations. Take it anywhere.”
