Republicans have pledged to never forget the 13 servicemembers who lost their lives in Afghanistan, blaming President Biden’s withdrawal from the country for their deaths.
The servicemembers, along with nearly 200 Afghan civilians, were killed in a suicide bombing at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
In response, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has ordered for the flags at the U.S. Capitol to be lowered to half-staff, honoring the servicemembers who died while assisting in the evacuation efforts.
“Two years ago today, we tragically lost 13 brave servicemen and women in Afghanistan,” said McCarthy. “I have directed the flags at the U.S. Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of these American heroes.”
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik attributed the loss of the servicemembers to President Biden’s “catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal.”
The Biden administration, however, pointed fingers at former President Donald Trump, stating that President Biden was constrained by the conditions created by Trump’s negotiations for the withdrawal.
Stefanik accused the Biden administration of obstructing investigations into the chaotic withdrawal and committed to seeking justice for the fallen servicemembers.
The House Oversight Committee has initiated a probe into the withdrawal and held a hearing to gather information on the matter.
Meanwhile, Rep. Cory Mills has introduced an impeachment resolution against Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, alleging intentional abandonment of Americans in Afghanistan and inadequate preparation for the withdrawal.
Secretary Austin expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen servicemembers and acknowledged their tremendous sacrifice in the final days of the war in Afghanistan.
“Today, the entire Department of Defense stands in sorrow with them — along with all of the families whose loved ones gave their lives during our 20 years in Afghanistan. We will never forget what they gave to serve this country that we love,” said Austin.
