Cole Statement on Deadly Kabul Airport Attack and Loss of Several U.S. Service Members

Statement

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after news of the attack on the Kabul airport that claimed the lives of at least 12 U.S. military service members and left many other innocent bystanders injured.

"I am deeply saddened and distraught by the tragic loss of at least 12 of our brave service members, who were killed in the line of duty while evacuating innocent Americans and Afghanis from the evil clutches of the Taliban.

"In the response to the horrific and despicable attack that occurred at the Kabul Airport today, America must quickly deliver justice to those who planned and executed it. Moreover, Congress must conduct an immediate investigation into the policies and decisions of the Biden Administration that led to this tragic loss of life. In my opinion, this avoidable tragedy was a direct consequence of the faulty assumptions and the poor execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal strategy devised and implemented by the Biden Administration.

"Make no mistake, both ISIS-K and the Taliban are terrorist organizations, and left unchecked, this likely will not be the last attack in the region. The betrayal of the people of Afghanistan is the worst betrayal of a country and a people by a western power since Munich in 1938. President Biden must act like Commander in Chief and take the necessary actions to protect our troops, allies and our country from the terrorist regime.

"This is indeed a dark day. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with those injured and the families, friends and loved ones of our brave service members who lost their lives while selflessly trying to rescue others. My heart also goes out to the many service members who sought to bring hope and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan these last 20 years. My prayers also remain with our deployed service members who are confronting an impossibly unfair position, never tiring in their relentless professionalism and selflessness to execute their duty, which is why they are the best in the world."

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