US President Joe Biden warned that another attack on Kabul Airport is possible in the next 24-36 hours. He also vowed to ‘continue to hunt down anyone involved in that heinous attack.’
Desk: The US airstrike inside Afghanistan took out at least two ‘high-profile’ targets. The airstrike was made in retaliation of the Kabul Airport blast that killed more than 160 Afghanis and at least 13 US troops on Thursday.
The US President Joe Biden has warned that ‘an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours.’
According to reports, the US airstrike was made against ISIS-K target. ISIS-K had claimed responsibility for the Thursday blast outside Kabul Airport.
The Pentagon officials have confirmed in their briefing that two high profile ISIS-K targets were neutralised, while one was injured.
President Joe Biden had come under scathing criticism from all corners after Kabul attack and loss of American soldiers’ lives. In his address to the nation, he had vowed to ‘hunt down’ those who were behind the Thursday attack.
In a fresh statement, President Joe Biden said: “I said we would go after the group responsible for the attack on our troops and innocent civilians in Kabul, and we have.”
The statement said: “This strike was not the last. We will continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack and make them pay. Whenever anyone seeks to harm the United States or attack our troops, we will respond.”
The statement also added: “The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, and the threat of terrorist attacks on the airport remains high. Our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours. I directed them to take every possible measure to prioritize force protection, and ensured that they have all the authorities, resources and plans to protect our men and women on the ground. They assured me that they did, and that they could take these measures while completing the mission and safely retrograding our personnel.”
Biden said: “Despite the treacherous situation in Kabul, we are continuing to evacuate civilians. Yesterday, we brought out another 6,800 people, including hundreds of Americans. And today, we discussed the ongoing preparations to help people continue to leave Afghanistan after our military departs.”
The statement added: “The 13 service members that we lost were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our highest American ideals and while saving the lives of others. Their bravery and selflessness has enabled more than 117,000 people at risk to reach safety thus far. May God protect our troops and all those standing watch in these dangerous days.”
