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Abbey gate kabul airport location6/1/2023 ![]() Vargas-Andrews, now 25 years old, lost an arm and a leg in the blast and has since undergone multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. ![]() Tyler Vargas-Andrews recalled the Kabul Airport suicide bombing sharing he had identified the bomber but was not authorized to engage. ![]() government could hold itself accountable to rebuild trust, and mental health and support for veterans. They discussed conditions on the ground leading up to the withdrawal, efforts by the private sector to safely get Afghan allies to America, how the U.S. I am grateful to all the members of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, as well as the diplomats, intelligence professionals, counterterrorism experts, and development specialists who served in Afghanistan and who sacrificed so much to make our nation stronger and safer.Witnesses gave first-hand accounts of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and its impact as they emotionally testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It is a painful reminder that there is nothing low-cost or low-grade about war for those we ask to fight for us. 20,744 were wounded, so many whose lives are forever marked by their injuries. 2,461 American troops made the ultimate sacrifice. I am also holding in my heart all those who lost their child, partner, parent, sibling, loved one, or battle buddy over our two decades of war in Afghanistan. Our nation can never repay such incredible sacrifice-but we will never fail to honor our sacred obligation to the families and survivors they left behind. Today, I am praying for the families of those 13 fallen warriors, who lost a piece of their soul one year ago. And my Administration will continue to hunt down terrorists who seek to harm the United States, wherever they may be. We now maintain pressure against terrorist threats without keeping thousands of troops in harm’s way on the ground in Afghanistan. In February, we took out the global head of ISIS in Syria, and last month, in Kabul, we eliminated the leader of al-Qaeda. In the wake of the horrific attack outside Kabul airport, we have redoubled our relentless global campaign against ISIS and other terrorists who threaten Americans. The example of their bravery and selflessness will live forever as a testament to the very best of our American character. They were heroes, working to save lives as part of the largest airlift evacuation operation in our history. But they were united by a common call-to serve something greater than themselves. Each carried with them the pride of their own unique story and the hopes of the loved ones who nurtured them. They were beloved sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. Our nation will forever mourn their sacrifice and honor the memory of those 13 precious souls, stolen from their families, loved ones, brothers- and sisters-in-arms far too soon while performing a noble mission on behalf of our Nation: Many more were injured and will carry the impact of their wounds and experiences for the rest of their lives. One year ago, 13 proud and patriotic American service members, as well as more than 100 innocent Afghan civilians, were killed in a heinous terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside the Kabul Airport. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””. ![]() The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
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