12 U.S. Soldiers and Over 60 Locals Killed in Kabul Airport Attack

Suspected IS Attack
White House Also on Alert
Confusion Expected in Civilian Withdrawal by Month-End
Red Flag Raised on Biden's Withdrawal Policy

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A bomb attack at Kabul Airport in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of 12 U.S. military personnel and over 60 civilians.

According to foreign media including AP, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command, announced on the 26th (local time) that 12 U.S. troops were killed and 15 were injured in the Kabul Airport bombing in Afghanistan.

The deceased U.S. military personnel were identified as 11 Marines and one member of the Navy medical team. Due to the high number of injured, there are concerns about additional fatalities.

The civilian casualties in Afghanistan were also significant. The Wall Street Journal reported that at least 60 local residents were killed.

Two bomb attacks occurred near Kabul Airport, where the U.S. and others are conducting evacuation operations, on the same day.

Commander McKenzie estimated that the attack was carried out by the Islamic militant group Islamic State (IS) and warned of the possibility of further attacks.

The attack happened just before the summit meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

After the terrorist attack, President Biden convened a meeting with Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, and postponed the meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister by one day.

According to the White House, President Biden is scheduled to deliver a speech regarding the attack later that day.

Questions have also arisen about whether the withdrawal deadline set by President Biden for the 31st of this month and the evacuation timeline for civilians can be maintained.

AP reported, "The attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 U.S. troops has left Biden with a more worrying choice: to continue the evacuation operation at the risk of more casualties, or to end the operation earlier than planned, leaving Americans who need to be evacuated behind."

General McKenzie of Central Command stated that about 1,000 Americans remain in Afghanistan. The State Department also explained that it is currently in contact with 1,000 Americans remaining in Afghanistan, and that most of them are preparing to return home.