CLEVELAND — Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul's airport Thursday, killing at least 12 U.S. service members, including 11 Marines and one Navy medic, according to two U.S. officials.
In all, at least 72 people were killed in the airport attack.
A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. The IS affiliate in Afghanistan is far more radical than the Taliban, who recently took control of the country in a lightning blitz and condemned the attack.
Reaction has come from several of Ohio's members of Congress. You can read their thoughts below:
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
"Our hearts are heavy for the victims of the terrorist attack in Kabul - U.S. servicemembers performing a dangerous mission and innocent Afghans fleeing danger. Too many families are afraid for their loved ones’ safety, and for some, today their worst fears have come to pass," Brown tweeted. "The administration must evacuate all Americans and vulnerable Afghan partners immediately. I thank our troops and diplomats risking their lives to stem this humanitarian crisis, and will continue monitoring the events on the ground."
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
Portman sent out a pair of Tweets on Thursday.
His first stated: "As I hear reports of multiple terrorist attacks outside Kabul airport, I pray for the continued safety of our troops and diplomats. These horrific attacks against our troops & innocent Afghans is reprehensible but should not stop our mission of evacuating our citizens and allies."
"As reports of US casualties come in from the cowardly terrorist attacks in Kabul we keep the brave service members and their families in our prayers as they work to complete their mission under impossible circumstances," he added later.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH 9)
“In the midst of unimaginable chaos, the U.S. military has been engaged in a heroic effort to swiftly evacuate as many people as possible amidst growing unrest in Afghanistan. The loss of American forces today is a tragedy beyond belief. These brave service members made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our citizens and allies. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones, and we pray for the safety of those still on the ground," Kaptur tweeted.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH 4)
"God bless the brave American service men and women serving in Afghanistan. Pray that we get every American home as soon as possible."
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH 13)
"I am closely monitoring explosions outside the gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan. My prayers are with our troops, diplomats, allies, and all those innocent civilians at the Kabul airport."
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH 14)
"Praying for the safety of our troops, our Afghan allies, and all Americans still stranded in Afghanistan. This is a catastrophe."
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH 16)
"Words cannot describe how devastating the loss of these brave service members is. May God bless their souls, and may God bless the families of these individuals who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. These warriors did not die in vain and we will continue to do whatever it takes to eradicate terrorism from the face of the earth. May God bless our troops and the United States of America during this difficult time," Gonzalez tweeted.
Earlier, Gonzalez tweeted the following: "After learning about today's attack at Kabul airport, @POTUS needs to make it abundantly clear that attacks like these carried out by ISIS-K will be met with swift and brutal force resulting in their complete decimation. A failure to do so emboldens ISIS and will lead to more lost American lives."
Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH 7)
Gibbs responded to a tweet from Fox News' Bret Baier before the total number of American lives lost was confirmed.
"The situation in Afghanistan is only getting worse. American service members & our Afghan friends are under attack. Further proof of a failed withdrawal strategy & the need to make sure every American is evacuated. My prayers to the families of the 10 service members killed," he wrote.
More Coverage:
- Kabul airport attack kills 60 Afghans, 12 US troops
- US Marines killed and injured at Kabul Airport attack, MetroHealth latest to require COVID vaccine: 3News Now with Stephanie Haney
- Northeast Ohio resident from Afghanistan working to share culture, traditional foods as area prepares to welcome refugees
- Cleveland agencies prepare to help hundreds of Afghans seeking refuge