TENNESSEE, USA — A U.S. official reported 11 Marines and a medic were killed in Afghanistan in blasts at an airport in Kabul.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby also confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.
This is the latest incident since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan led to ongoing airlift operations to get Americans and Afghan allies out of the country.
Tennessee lawmakers took to social media and released statements to share their thoughts as the nation waits for more information.
Congressman Tim Burchett released the following statement:
"I’m praying for the families, friends and fellow servicemembers of the U.S. Marines who lost their lives or were injured at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Their sacrifice to help evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies was not in vain. Our nation needs to hear directly from President Biden. We need to know Americans will not be abandoned in Afghanistan and that attacks on our military members will not be tolerated. If President Biden isn’t going to step up, he needs to step aside."
Senator Bill Hagerty took to Twitter to ask President Joe Biden's administration to "decisively respond" to the blasts.
He also released a statement:
“Under President Joe Biden, the United States has now experienced its deadliest day in Afghanistan since 2011. My heart grieves for the families and loved ones of these brave heroes who have now made the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, it did not have to be this way, but it is exactly what I have feared as we have watched the chaotic and dire scenes around the airport in Kabul. This moment requires decisive American leadership and strength, but sadly President Biden is hiding from his duty and shirking responsibility. I know all Tennesseans join Chrissy and me in praying for our troops as well as American citizens and our allies who remain in harm’s way.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted to offer prayers for the families of those who were killed.
Congressman Steve Cohen released a statement.
“The bombing was foreseen by our intelligence unit and conveyed to members of Congress earlier in the week and the people in Kabul this week. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the service members who were killed and express my appreciation for all the service members who are serving in this dangerous zone.”
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann released a statement.
“Today was the deadliest day in Afghanistan for U.S. service members since 2011. The situation in Kabul has been directly caused by the actions taken by President Biden and his national security team. Now, American lives have been lost due to this Commander in Chief’s incompetent and rushed withdrawal.
“For weeks, the military, intelligence community, and members of Congress from both parties have begged President Biden to increase the security perimeter at the airport and not rely on the Taliban to protect Americans trying to evacuate the country. President Biden must throw out his self-imposed August 31 deadline and commit to rescuing every single American currently stranded in Afghanistan. Anything less is a disgrace to our nation.
“It is time for President Biden to step up, be a leader, and use American strength to protect U.S. citizens and service members.”
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger released a statement calling for the impeachment of President Joe Biden.
“President Biden’s failure to have a well-planned conditions-based withdrawal from Afghanistan has put American troops and citizens in harm’s way and has now cost the lives of at least twelve U.S. service members. Today’s attacks on the Kabul airport are horrific and I’m praying for the victims and their families. This disastrous withdrawal was avoidable had President Biden had any plan whatsoever on getting Americans and our allies out. For example, Bagram Air Base should not have been abandoned before the withdrawal was completed.
"President Biden’s mishandling of the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan, along with his Administration’s self-inflicted national security crisis on our southern border and his reckless spending proposals that are causing inflation and the price of goods to skyrocket, make it clear he is not fit for the responsibilities of the presidency. President Biden should be impeached.”