Evacuation flights from Afghanistan have resumed with new urgency a day after two suicide bombings targeted the thousands of desperate people fleeing the Taliban takeover and killed more than 100.
At least 95 Afghans are now confirmed to have been killed in Thursday's blasts, alongside 13 U.S. service members. It marked the deadliest day for American forces fighting in Afghanistan since August 2011, according to the Associated Press.
Afghan officials have warned that the toll from the blasts could continue to rise, and dozens more were wounded in the explosions, which are believed to have been carried out by ISIS-K.
The U.S. says further attempted attacks are expected ahead of the Tuesday deadline for foreign troops to leave, ending America’s longest war.
As the call to prayer echoes through Kabul with the whine of departing planes, the anxious crowd outside the airport is as large as ever. More countries have now said they are ending their evacuation efforts.
In emotional remarks from the White House on Thursday, President Joe Biden promised retribution for the attack.
“To those who carried out this attack, as well as anybody who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive, we will not forget, we will hunt you down and make you pay,” said Biden during his remarks from the White House.
But despite pressure from conservatives and moderates to extend the evacuation deadline to ensure safe passage for as many Americans and allies as possible, Biden again stood by the self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline, noting that staying longer would invite more attacks against U.S. troops.
