U.S. conducts counterterrorism strike on ISIS-K planner
U.S. Central Command statement on counterterrorism strike on ISIS-K planner
By U.S. Central Command Public Affairs
U.S. military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation today against an ISIS-K planner. The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target. Capt. Bill Urban, USN, U.S. Central Command Spokesman
an unmanned drone strike in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan — to the east of Kabul — which killed two ISIS-K individuals who were known to be responsible for planning and facilitation activities within the organization, the Pentagon’s joint staff deputy director for regional operations said.
During a briefing today at the Pentagon, Army Maj. Gen. William D. “Hank” Taylor said that an additional ISIS-K member was also wounded in the strike, and that there were “zero civilian casualties.”
August 26
I can confirm that subsequent to Gen. McKenzie’s remarks, a thirteenth U.S. service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate. The latest number of injured is now 18, all of whom are in the process of being aeromedically evacuated from Afghanistan on specially equipped C-17s with embarked surgical units. We continue to provide the best possible medical care to those injured. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the injured and to the friends and family of those who were killed.
– Capt. Bill Urban, Spokesman, U.S. Central Command
CENTCOM Statement on Exchange of Recent Gunfire Exchange at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Aug. 23, 2021
Statement is attributable to Navy Capt. William Urban, U.S. CENTCOM Spokesperson:
“No U.S. or coalition forces were hurt during a brief exchange of gunfire last night outside the north gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport. The incident appeared to begin when an unknown hostile actor fired upon Afghan security forces involved in monitoring access to the gate. The Afghans returned fire, and in keeping with their right of self-defense, so too did U.S. and coalition troops.
“One member of the Afghan forces was killed by the hostile actor; several Afghans were wounded during the exchange. The wounded are being treated at an airfield hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
“Our condolences go out to the teammates and loved ones of the fallen Afghan soldier.”
17 August before all hell broke loose:
Today, I had an opportunity to evaluate the situation at Hamid Karzai International Airport and engage with U.S. military leaders on the ground providing security to the airport.
I saw firsthand our defensive lay down and the work our forces are doing to efficiently operate the airfield while ensuring the safe movement of civilians and diplomats who are leaving Kabul.
U.S. military air traffic controllers and ground handlers are rapidly scaling up operations to ensure the smooth flow of military reinforcements to the airport and the evacuation of U.S. and partner civilians in coordination with our State Department colleagues.
Currently, the airfield is secure and now open to civilian air traffic operating under visual flight rules.
In meetings with Taliban senior leaders in Doha on Sunday, I cautioned them against interference in our evacuation, and made it clear to them that any attack would be met with overwhelming force in the defense of our forces.
The protection of U.S. civilians and our partners is my highest priority and we will take all necessary action to ensure a safe and efficient withdrawal.
To that end, we are prepared to fully support U.S. Embassy efforts to process and evacuate U.S. citizens, partners, special visa applicants, and Afghans at risk.
I remain enormously proud of the men and women of our armed forces, who are accomplishing this mission with skill, compassion and professionalism.