McCollum Statement on Kabul Terrorist Attack that Killed At Least 12 U.S. Service Members

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today after the Pentagon confirmed at least 12 U.S. service members were killed and at least 15 wounded in an attack outside the Hamid-Karzai Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan:

"The attack that tragically killed 12 U.S. service members and numerous Afghan civilians demonstrates that Afghanistan, beyond the perimeter of the Kabul airport, is a state controlled by terrorists. With limited options to sustain the evacuation of Americans and allies, the Taliban must be held responsible for the well-being and immediate safe passage of all American citizens seeking evacuation. The Biden administration must deliver an unequivocal message to the Taliban that harm to any American citizen seeking evacuation will result in devastating military action.

"At this moment, every American service member, diplomat, and civilian operating at the Kabul airport are at grave risk. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, including the evacuation of U.S. citizens and allies, must be completed by the August 31 deadline.

"The death of our American service members in the effort to evacuate civilians is heartbreaking. Their lives and selfless action will always be remembered and honored."

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