U.S. Troops Killed in Attack Outside Kabul Airport

(Bloomberg) —President Joe Biden vowed to complete the U.S. evacuation mission in Afghanistan after at least 13 U.S. service members were killed in explosions outside Kabul’s international airport. He also promised that those responsible for the attacks would “pay.”

“We will not forgive, we will not forget, we will hunt you down and make you pay,” Biden said at the White House on Thursday evening.

At least 60 Afghans also died in the explosions along dozens more people wounded less than a week before U.S. forces are to depart.

The Associated Press reported the Afghan death toll, citing an an Afghan official. An additional 18 U.S. service members were wounded.

The attack came as North Atlantic Treaty Organization-member nations began winding down evacuations. Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium have announced they are no longer organizing flights from Kabul’s airport. With President Joe Biden sticking to his Aug. 31 withdrawal deadline, the window for airlifts is closing fast.

Biden’s Aug. 31 deadline to complete the evacuation mission in Afghanistan remains in place despite the deadly attacks on Thursday.

“Nothing has changed on that timeline,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at an evening press conference. She added that U.S. military commanders have advised the president to hold to the deadline.

Psaki said that the American flag would be flown at half staff at government buildings and military bases to honor the U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan.

“I am certain the president will do everything he can to honor the sacrifice and service” of those who died, Psaki said.

Biden said that a group known as Isis K was behind the assaults near the Kabul airport on Thursday.

“We will not be deterred by terrorists,” Biden added. “We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation. I also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike Isis K assets, leadership and facilities.”

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter.