Biden: "Kabul Terror Retaliatory Airstrike Is Not the Last... They Will Pay the Price"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. President Joe Biden indicated the possibility of additional airstrikes, stating that the recent U.S. military retaliatory airstrike in response to the terrorist attack at Kabul Airport in Afghanistan is not the last.

On the 28th (local time), President Biden said in a statement, "This airstrike will certainly not be the last," adding, "We will continue to track down and hold accountable anyone involved in this heinous attack."

Earlier, the U.S. vowed retaliation for the terrorist attack at the entrance of Kabul Airport, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. Subsequently, the U.S. conducted airstrikes targeting the stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Afghanistan, IS Khorasan (IS-K), which claimed responsibility for the attack, eliminating two senior figures. The U.S. Department of Defense reported that two people were killed and one injured in an airstrike using attack drones in Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan. It was reported that there were no civilian casualties.

In his statement, President Biden emphasized, "I said we would track down the terrorist group that attacked our troops and innocent civilians, and we are already pursuing them," adding, "There is no doubt that we will respond whenever anyone tries to harm the United States or attack our military." He further expressed concern, saying, "The situation on the ground remains extremely dangerous, and the threat of airport attacks is still significant," noting that "military commanders have said there is a very high likelihood of attacks within 24 to 36 hours."

President Biden said, "I have ordered that protecting our troops be the top priority with every possible measure, and I have ensured that all authority, resources, and plans are in place to protect them on the ground," affirming, "The military can safely withdraw and complete its mission." He added, "Despite the dangerous situation in Kabul, we continue to evacuate civilians," and mentioned, "We have discussed preparations to assist Afghan evacuations even after the military departs."

Regarding the 13 service members who sacrificed their lives in this attack, President Biden honored them as "heroes who sacrificed for the highest ideals of America while saving the lives of others," and mourned, "Their courage and selflessness enabled 117,000 people in danger to reach safety."

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