Deadliest Day for Troops in Afghanistan Since 2015

Four Marines killed in Afghan airport bombing

Jack Beyrer • August 26, 2021 1:40 pm

Four Marines participating in the Afghanistan evacuation were killed in a terrorist attack at the Kabul airport on Thursday morning, making it the deadliest day in the war since 2015.

The U.S. ambassador in Kabul told staff of the casualties after terrorists set off two suicide bombs outside of the airport as well as at the Baron Hotel in the Afghan capital. The Wall Street Journal confirmed the deaths of U.S. troops. The bombing is the deadliest day in the war in Afghanistan since Dec. 21, 2015, when six soldiers were killed by a suicide bombing at Bagram Air Base. It is the first combat death since February 2020.

The blast left three more Marines injured in the attack at the Abbey Gate entrance at the Kabul airport. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby confirmed the deaths of Marines in a statement.

“We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport,” Kirby said.  “A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured.”

ISIS-K, the Afghanistan affiliate of ISIS, reportedly orchestrated the attack.

Total casualties are reportedly more than 40, including Afghan civilians and an infant. The Biden administration has committed to a full withdrawal from the country by Tuesday even as thousands of Americans and Afghan allies remain stranded in the country.