U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on Wednesday marking the fifth anniversary of the suicide bombing at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan.
The attack, which occurred on August 26, 2021, during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, killed 13 American service members and more than 160 Afghan civilians. An additional 45 U.S. service members sustained injuries in the blast.
In the official release, Rubio commemorated the victims and addressed the families of the fallen military personnel.
“Today marks five years since the horrific attack at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate, a tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 13 American heroes and over 160 Afghan civilians,” Rubio said. “We stand with the Gold Star families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country. Our prayers will forever remain with them and the 45 U.S. service members who were injured during this terrible terrorist attack.”
Rubio also criticized the handling of the 2021 evacuation while outlining the current administration’s position regarding the overall conflict.
“The Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a dark stain on our nation’s history,” Rubio said. “The Trump Administration remains dedicated to honoring the memory of those who lost their lives at Abbey Gate – and during the country’s 20 years in Afghanistan – and providing the American people with the answers they deserve.”
The August 2021 bombing took place amid the final days of the American military presence in Afghanistan, which concluded a two-decade mission launched in 2001.
13 U.S. service members were killed at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan
- Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola
- Cpl. Hunter Lopez
- Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
- Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover
- Cpl. Daegan W. Page
- Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
- Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
- Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza
- Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz
- Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum
- Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss
- Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
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