HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan (August 21, 2021) Evacuees load on to a United Arab Emirates Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 21. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz).
Two years ago, a horrific terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 brave American heroes, as well as approximately 170 Afghan civilians.
In the final days of America’s war in Afghanistan, the men and women of the United States military undertook a tremendously difficult task amid hazardous conditions. Along with the rest of their teammates, these 13 Service members—11 Marines, a Soldier, and a Sailor—tackled their mission with skill, compassion, and extraordinary courage. Their selflessness and valor helped defend their comrades and lift tens of thousands of Afghans to safety, allowing them to pursue new lives in freedom.
As we mark this painful milestone, my heart is with the families of these 13 American heroes. Today, the entire Department of Defense stands in sorrow with them—along with all of the families whose loved ones gave their lives during our 20 years in Afghanistan. We will never forget what they gave to serve this country that we love.
East Greenbush, N.Y.- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the second anniversary of the heartbreaking Abbey Gate suicide bombing that claimed the lives of 13 brave American Servicemembers.
“Two years ago today, our nation was devastated by the deaths of 13 brave Servicemembers in the deadliest attack on Americans in Afghanistan since 2011, which was a direct result of President Biden’s catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal.
We will never forget their courageous service and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation. That day, House Republicans vowed that we would hold President Biden and his Administration accountable for their disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.
Since retaking control of the House, we have delivered on that promise despite the Biden Administration’s efforts to stonewall our investigations. House Republicans remain committed to delivering justice for those 13 brave Servicemembers and all of our Afghanistan veterans.”
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2021 Kabul airport attack
A suicide bombing took place at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 26 August 2021, at 17:50 local time (13:20 UTC),during the evacuation from Afghanistan At least 183 people were killed, including 170 Afghan civilians and 13 members of the United States military, the first American military casualties in the War in Afghanistan since February 2020.
The attack was carried out by IS-KP, which claimed responsibility and named the bomber as Abdul Rahman Al Logari The Taliban had fought against IS–KP previously,[39] and were helping the US forces to maintain security at the airport.
On 27 August, the United States launched an airstrike which the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) said was against three suspected IS-KP members in Nangarhar Province. On 29 August, the US conducted a second drone strike in Kabul, targeting a vehicle which they suspected was carrying IS-KP members, but actually carried an Afghan aid worker. Ten Afghan civilians were killed in the drone strike, including seven children.
In 2023, the (unnamed) leader of the IS-KP cell that organized the attack was believed to have been killed by Taliban security forces.