Conflict
Crisis/Conflict/Terrorism
World leaders condemn Kabul blasts

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 27 Aug 2021, 08:11 am Print

World leaders condemn Kabul blasts Afghanistan crisis | Kabul Blasts

The world leaders have condemned Thursday's suicide bomb attacks at Kabul airport where terrified Afghans were desperately trying to take rescue flights to escape the Taliban rule.

According to different media reports, as many as 110 to 103 people, including 13 US soldiers were killed in the suicide blasts by ISIL (ISIS) offshoot in Afghanistan, The Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K), who targeted “translators and collaborators with the American army.

US

US President Joe Biden vowed to retaliate against the attack. “We will hunt you down and make you pay. I will defend our interests in our people with every measure at my command,” he said.

“To those who carried out this attack, as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive; we will not forget.”

He called the slain American soldiers “heroes who had been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to safe the lives of others”.

“Our hearts ache … for all those Afghan families who lost loved ones, including small children, or who have been wounded in this vicious attack,” Biden said.

“I have also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision on our time, at the place we choose and the moment of our choosing.”

NATO

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed grief and anger at the loss of lives.

“I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside Kabul airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones,” he said on Twitter.

“Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible,” added Stoltenberg.

UK

“Clearly what this attack shows is the importance of continuing that work in as fast and as efficient a manner as possible in the hours that remain to us,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

India

“Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists,” a statement from India’s external affairs ministry said.

Turkey

“This heinous attack in the strongest terms, offer our condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Egypt

Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned “gruesome terrorism”.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed deep sorrow “over the loss of American lives in Kabul”.

“Israel stands with the United States in these difficult times, just as America has always stood with us,” he tweeted.

China

China decried the attacks saying the blasts show “the security situation in Afghanistan is still complex and severe”, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.

“China is shocked by and strongly condemns the explosions,” Zhao said.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters it had been “a very difficult day, not just for Afghans but for people around the world, including in Canada, who have long been deeply committed to the Afghan people and a better future for Afghanistan”.

“Our hearts break for the people of Afghanistan and the loved ones of the victims, including the brave women and men of our allies,” he said.

France

France denounced the “horrendous attack”. French President Emmanuel Macron said shares the grief of the victims’ families.

French defence minister Florence Parly offered her condolences to her US counterpart Lloyd Austin

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the US Marines who lost their lives while helping those who wished to flee the terror. France stands with the United States,” Parly added.

Spain

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter, “Our heartfelt solidarity with the victims. The international community stands with the Afghan people, ensuring their rights and dignity.”

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi denounced “this vile and horrible attack against defenceless people seeking liberty”.

New Zealand

In a statement, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with all of those in Afghanistan who have lost lives or suffered injuries, including US forces, our other partners on the ground, and the families and friends of all who have been affected by this appalling attack.”