Biden Vows to "Track Down and Make Them Pay" for Afghan Terror Attack (Update)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a strong stance to ensure that the Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the bomb terror incident near Kabul Airport in Afghanistan, will pay the price. He added that plans are in place to dispatch additional troops to Afghanistan if necessary.

On the 26th (local time), President Biden, in a national address immediately following the terror attack, stated, "It has been confirmed that this incident was carried out under the orders of IS-K, the Afghan affiliate of IS," and strongly criticized, "We will track them down to the end and make them pay." He emphasized, "We will drive IS out of Afghanistan, rescue Americans, and fulfill our mission."

Earlier that day, two suicide bombings presumed to be the work of the extremist terrorist group Islamic State (IS) occurred near Kabul Airport. In the evening, two explosions took place at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and at the Baron Hotel, located about 250 meters away. The Baron Hotel is known as accommodation for Western countries’ evacuees waiting to leave Kabul. So far, 15 U.S. military personnel have been reported dead and 12 injured, while the Afghan Ministry of Health has counted at least 90 deaths and 150 injuries.

President Biden said, "The 12 U.S. military personnel who died were heroes performing a dangerous and selfless mission," emphasizing, "Thanks to their sacrifice, more than 100,000 people were able to evacuate from Afghanistan." During his speech, he also held a moment of silence for them.

President Biden stated, "IS-K has planned various attacks against Americans in Afghanistan, and because of this risk, we decided to limit the mission timeline," adding, "However, the evacuation operation in Afghanistan will continue." He also emphasized, "We will take all necessary measures to protect the forces in Kabul," and "I have instructed the Department of Defense to dispatch additional troops if necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.