{Good evening. Topping our news today.}
U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to complete the evacuation of American citizens and at-risk Afghans despite the deadly suicide bomb attack at Kabul International Airport.
Condemning the suicide bomb attacks, Biden also promised to avenge the deaths of 13 U.S. service members killed in the attack.
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A tough day for U.S. President Joe Biden as he caught wind of two suicide bombings near Kabul International Airport.
While there's not even an iota of evidence to suggest the Islamic State groups' Afghanistan affiliate was in cahoots with the Taliban to carry out the bombings, Biden made a stern warning to the affiliate, which claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings that resulted in the demise of 13 U.S. service members and around 100 civilians, as well as those who peddle bellicose rhetoric aimed at harming America: you will laugh out of the other side of your mouth.
President Biden: 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. We will hunt you down and make you pay. I will defend our interests and our people with every measure at my command.
Biden also paid tribute to the 13 U.S. troops whom he hailed as heroes and the "backbone of America."
Biden: These American service members who gave their lives - it's an overused word, but it's totally appropriate - they were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others.
Pertinacious when it comes to avenging the deaths of U.S. troops, Biden said the next best thing is that America can respond. Apparently, America will not turn the other cheek.
Biden: I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose, and the moment of our choosing.
The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan is notorious for carrying out many attacks targeting civilians in recent years. Perceived to be more radical than the Taliban, the affiliate was attacked by the U.S. in April 2017, when the U.S. dropped the largest conventional bomb in its arsenal on its cave and tunnel complex.
But that wasn't enough to prevent the group from launching deadly attacks once again.
Despite unable to resurrect the fallen troops, Biden vowed to rescue the vulnerable in the face of extremists' threat.
And in sombre remarks, and often with pauses, Biden lauded America's daring troops who continue to execute the evacuation aimed at saving lives.
Biden: These ISIS terrorists will not win. We will rescue the Americans. We will get out our Afghan allies, and our mission will go on. America will not be intimidated. I have the utmost confidence in our brave service members who continue to execute this mission with courage and honour to save lives and get Americans, our partners, our Afghan allies out of Afghanistan.
Biden has ordered U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff across the country to pay tribute and honour the fallen troops.
Speaking with emotion, Biden held a moment of silence to honour those who failed to escape with their lives and died in the deadly bombings.
Biden: And I ask that you join me now in a moment of silence for all those in uniform and out - military and civilian, who have given the last full measure of devotion.
And he bowed his head.
Biden: Thank you. May God bless you all. And may God protect those troops and all those standing watch for America.
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