WASHINGTON (WV News) — West Virginia’s U.S. senators have released reactions to Thursday’s deadly attacks outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
At least 13 American military personnel are among those who died after two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans gathered outside the airport, according to reports from The Associated Press. More than 140 Afghans were wounded.
“Today’s horrific attacks in Kabul that killed and wounded American service members and Afghans is an unconscionable act of terrorism,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “Every American, myself included, is heartbroken by the loss of our brave service members who put their lives on the line and by this senseless loss of life.
“It is clear that the Taliban have broken their promises and this cannot be tolerated any longer. The situation we currently find our country in is one of deep despair, and we must establish a turning point in our actions to control this process. The Taliban continue to harass, assault and hold hostage the families of U.S. citizens and SIVs (Special Immigrant Visas), despite their assurances of safe passage.”
“Their takeover of the Afghan government emboldened terrorist organizations like ISIS-K to carry out the attacks we saw today.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., commented on the attacks in a tweet posted around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
“This is devastating and incredibly sad to see. Our marines were bravely performing the critical mission of evacuating Americans. While the effort is worthwhile, @potus must ensure everything is being done to protect and support those evacuating and helping them. So far, I have been very disappointed with the actions of this administration.”