US Military Officials to Revisit the 2021 Kabul Airport Bombing through New Interviews
US military officials have decided to interview nearly 20 service members who were wounded in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, an incident that marked a tragic day during the Biden administration’s rush to exit Afghanistan. This move comes as new information has surfaced, casting doubts on the Pentagon’s earlier conclusion that the attack was “not preventable.”
- Revisiting the Incident: Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, overseeing the U.S. Central Command, has ordered these interviews to ensure “due diligence” following the emergence of new details.
- Not a Formal Reopening: While this step does not officially reopen the closed investigation from November 2021, it could potentially lead to a reopening based on the insights gathered from the new interviews.
- Objective: The goal is to ensure that all “relevant voices are fully heard” and to scrutinize the new accounts seriously and thoroughly to lay bare the facts.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of the Bombing | August 26, 2021 |
| Location | Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Casualties | 13 U.S. troops and an estimated 170 Afghans |
| Mastermind | Suspected to be killed by the Taliban in early 2023 |
The tragic event took place on August 26, 2021, resulting in the death of 13 U.S. troops and approximately 170 Afghans. The bombing occurred amidst the chaos of thousands trying to flee the incoming Taliban regime. This incident, coupled with a botched U.S. drone strike three days later that killed 10 civilians, including seven children, remains a significant low point in Biden’s presidency.
One of the critical voices bringing this issue back to the forefront is Marine sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who lost two limbs in the attack. Vargas-Andrews stated that he had identified the bomber before the explosion but was not allowed to fire upon the suspect, a decision he believes led to the tragic outcome. This account and others have prompted a reevaluation of the events of that day, with a focus on ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
| 2021 Kabul Airport Bombing Defined |
|---|
| The 2021 Kabul airport bombing was a tragic event that occurred during the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, marking a significant low point in the Biden administration. The bombing resulted in numerous casualties, including U.S. troops and Afghan civilians. The incident has raised serious questions about the decisions made during the evacuation and the accountability for the loss of life. Learn more on Wikipedia. |
What new information has come to light prompting these interviews?
New testimonies from service members present during the attack have emerged, revealing details that were not part of the initial investigation. These accounts have raised questions about the decisions made on that day and have cast doubt on the Pentagon’s earlier conclusion that the attack was not preventable.
What is expected from these new interviews?
The interviews aim to gather firsthand accounts from the wounded service members to ensure that all relevant voices are heard. This process is seen as a step towards due diligence to scrutinize the new details seriously and thoroughly, potentially laying the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the tragic event.
Could this lead to a formal reopening of the investigation?
While the initiative to conduct new interviews does not officially reopen the investigation from 2021, it could potentially lead to a reopening based on the insights and details gathered from these interviews. The objective is to ensure a transparent process where the facts are laid bare, fostering a deeper understanding of the incident.
Source: The Washington Post