Biden news: Psaki shuts down GOP impeachment threat as Israel PM extends ‘condolences and deep sadness’

Following a suicide bombing at Kabul airport that left 13 American service members dead and 18 wounded, among dozens of others killed, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett extended “condolences and deep sadness for the loss of American lives” during a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

After pledging to “hunt down” those responsible for the attack, the president was briefed by military officials on Friday on the likelihood of “another terror attack” and the “maximum force protection measures” underway at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Military officials also updated the president and vice president “on plans to develop Isis-K targets,” according to statement from White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

“The next few days of this mission will be the most dangerous period to date,” the statement said.

Injured US service members have been transported to the US Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Isis-K, a sworn enemy of the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ms Psaki told reporters on Friday that the president has made clear “that he does not want them to live on earth anymore.”

A number of Republican lawmakers have called on the president to resign over the ongoing crisis. GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy said there will be “day of reckoning.”

Ms Psaki dismissed calls from GOP lawmakers, adding that “the backdrop” of their calls “is the men and women of the US military deployed on the ground are bravely continuing to implement a mission to save lives on the ground.”

“Yesterday they lost 13 of their own and the president made absolutely clear that we’re going to hunt down, go after and kill the terrorists who are responsible,” she said. “Everyone should be supportive of that.”

US military officials have stressed that the attack has not stopped evacuations, which will continue until the end of the month as planned. US forces have evacuated roughly 12,500 people over a 24-hour period into early Friday morning, according to the White House. Since the end of July, the US has relocated approximately 110,600 people, the White House said on Friday.

Follow live updates as they happenened

Read More

One Afghan family’s astonishing escape from Kabul to a new life in America

Psaki swats down impeachment chatter and GOP backlash on Kabul: ‘Now is not the time for politics’

Tributes paid to US Navy sailor killed in Kabul attack: ‘He was helping to save lives’

Two House Republicans introduce articles of impeachment against Secretary of State Blinken

Pentagon admits ‘thousands’ of Isis-K militants released from US prisons by Taliban

The day Joe Biden’s vow to end America’s longest war turned into a deadly debacle

Afghanistan: Isis claims responsibility for Kabul airport attack that killed at least 22

Who are Isis-K? Ruthless terror group behind some of Afghanistan’s most horrific attacks

Key Points

• National security team tells Biden ‘another terror attack in Kabul is likely’

• Thousands evacuated within 24-hour period

• Biden says he will ‘hunt down’ terrorists behind Kabul airport attack

• Senior Republicans call for Biden to resign over Afghanistan crisis

• At least 95 Afghans killed in Kabul suicide bombings, official says

Biden to address nation tonight at 5pm

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:04 , Nathan Place

President Joe Biden is planning to speak tonight at 5pm EST regarding today’s terrorist attack in Kabul, White House sources have told CNN.

US military says evacuations will continue despite attack

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:20 , Nathan Place

General Kenneth McKenzie Jr, head of the United States Central Command, says evacuations via the Kabul airport have not been stopped by today’s explosions.

“The plan is designed to operate under stress and under attack,” General McKenzie said. “And we will coordinate to make sure it's safe for American citizens to come to the airfield ... We’ll continue to flow them out until the end of the month.”

US general says there are other ‘extremely active’ threats to Kabul airport

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:35 , Nathan Place

As the US military reels from today’s blasts in Kabul, officials say they must also prepare for other potential attacks to come.

“We have other active threat streams, extremely active threat streams against the airfield,” General Kenneth McKenzie said at a briefing. “We want to make sure we are taking the steps to protect ourselves there. Our focus is on that.”

“Typically the pattern is multiple attacks,” he added.

Bernie Sanders issues statement on Kabul attack

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:43 , Nathan Place

Senator Bernie Sanders has released a statement mourning the US soldiers killed in the attack in Kabul, and thanking them for their service.

“Today, we mourn the loss of the members of the U.S. military killed at Kabul Airport,” the senator tweeted. “These soldiers played an extraordinary role in helping to evacuate over 80,000 people – Americans and Afghans. Their bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Senator Josh Hawley calls on Joe Biden to resign

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:45 , Graeme Massie

Mr Hawley, who voted to throw out Mr Biden’s election victory over Donald Trump and gave a one-fisted salute to MAGA supporters outside the US Capitol on 6 January, made the call on Twitter.

Israeli PM, who Biden was scheduled to meet today, issues statement on Kabul

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:51 , Nathan Place

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has offered Israel’s sympathies following the attack on US troops in Afghanistan.

“On behalf of the people of Israel, I share our deep sadness over the loss of American lives in Kabul,” Mr Bennett wrote. “Israel stands with the United States in these difficult times, just as America has always stood with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the United States.”

Mr Bennett had been scheduled to meet with President Biden today, but their meeting was delayed to Friday after explosions rocked the airport in Kabul.

Vice president Kamala Harris cancels California rally

Thursday 26 August 2021 21:55 , Graeme Massie

Ms Harris had planned on campaigning in the Bay Area on Friday with Governor Gavin Newsom, who is facing a 14 September recall election, but has now cancelled the event.

Nancy Pelosi warns Democrats not to travel to Afghanistan

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:10 , Graeme Massie

“It should be clear that any Member presence presents a danger and an opportunity cost of resources, regardless of whatever value that Members consider they may add by such trips,” wrote Ms Pelosi in a letter to colleagues.

It comes days after lawmaker Seth Moulton and Peter Meijer secretly travelled to Kabul.

Biden late for Kabul bombing address to nation

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:19 , Graeme Massie

The president was due to speak from the White House at 5pm ET and is expected to do so soon.

Nancy Pelosi condemns Kabul airport bombing

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:24 , Graeme Massie

The House Speaker issued a statement on the violence that left 12 US service members dead and 15 injured, as well as killing 60 Afghans and injuring more than 140.

“The United States House of Representatives strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack outside Kabul airport. We mourn the loss of every innocent life taken, and we join every American in heartbreak over the deaths of the service members killed,” said Ms Pelosi.

Joe Biden addresses Kabul airport bombing

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:26 , Graeme Massie

“It’s been a tough day,” said Mr Biden in a speech from the White House and blames ISIS-K for the attack.

President says troops killed in Kabul were ‘heroes’

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:28 , Graeme Massie

“These American service members who gave their lives, it is an overused word, were heroes, heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous and selfless mission to save the lives of others,” said Mr Biden.

president added that his and first lady’s hearts “ached” for the US military and Afghan families who had lost members in the attack.

Biden says he will ‘hunt down’ terrorists behind Kabul airport attack

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:33 , Graeme Massie

The president warned ISIS-K, who have claimed responsibility, that the US would exact revenge for the attack.

“Know this; We will not forgive. We will not forget. We. will hunt you down and make you pay,” said the Commander-in-Chief.

He said that he had asked military commanders to draw up plans to strike back at the terrorist group.

Biden leads moment of silence for victims

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:39 , Graeme Massie

The president bowed his head and appeared to say a prayer quietly to himself during the moment of silence.

“We have to remain steadfast, we will complete our mission, we will continue after the troops have been withdrawn and find means to find any American who wishes to get out of Afghanistan. We will find them and get them out,” said Mr Biden.

He said that he had offered the US military whatever resources they needed but said that commanders had told him that they would get out as many people as they could in the timeframe given to them.

He added that they would “get” the terrorists without a large-scale military operation.

‘We will hunt you down and make you pay’: Biden vows to avenge 12 Americans killed in Kabul

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:44 , Graeme Massie

President Joe Biden pledged to avenge the 12 American service members killed in an attack in Kabul on Thursday.

“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,” the president said.

Eric Garcia has the story.

Biden vows to avenge 12 Americans killed in Kabul: ‘We will hunt you down’

Biden says military wanted to close Bagram Air Base

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:49 , Graeme Massie

The president said that the US military told him they wanted to concentrate the evacuation effort on Kabul’s international airport.

“I followed their recommendation,” he told reporters at White House.

The president said he did not know if there had been a list of American citizens of Afghans who had helped the US given to the Taliban.

Biden tells Fox News reporter he stands by decision to pull out of Afghanistan

Thursday 26 August 2021 22:56 , Graeme Massie

“I bear responsibility for, fundamentally, all that’s happened of late. But here’s the deal: You know, I wish you’d one day say these things, you know as well as I do, that the former president made a deal with the Taliban,” he told the channel’s Peter Doocy.

The president then put his head in his hands as Doocy refused to acknowledge Mr Trump’s Taliban deal.

Mr Biden said he still did not believe that the White House should “sacrifice American lives” to create a democracy in Afghanistan.

And he asked the press if they really thought the US should have gone to Afghanistan if al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden had launched the 9/11 attack from a country like the Yemen.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it was time to end a 20-year war,” he concluded.

White House announces flags to be lowered

Thursday 26 August 2021 23:09 , Graeme Massie

Joe Biden’s press secretary announced at her briefing that US flags were being lowered to half staff at the White House, military bases and federal buildings until 30 August.

Biden has not yet called family members of killed US troops

Thursday 26 August 2021 23:14 , Graeme Massie

Jen Psaki said that the Pentagon was still notifying the families of troops killed in Kabul and that the president would speak to families after that had been done.

Biden rests head on his hands during tense exchange with Fox reporter after Kabul statement

Thursday 26 August 2021 23:30 , Graeme Massie

President Joe Biden concluded his news conference on Thursday by igniting a back-and-forth with Fox News’s Peter Doocy, whose questions left Mr Biden resting his head on his hands in an exasperated manner.

John Bowden has the story.

Biden puts head in his hands during tense exchange with Fox reporter

A13th US serviceman has died, reports say

Thursday 26 August 2021 23:44 , Graeme Massie

An additional US serviceman has died following the bomb attack at Kabul airport, says CBS News.

Earlier officials had said that 12 service members had died and 15 were wounded by the attack, which has been claimed by ISIS-K.

US death toll in Kabul airport blast rises to 13, officials say

01:13 , Graeme Massie

US officials have confirmed the deaths of 13 US service members after two ISIS-K suicide bomb attacks on Kabul airport.

A series of blasts in the country’s capital also injured 18 US troops providing support for the evacuations of US personnel and Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport.

John Bowden has the story.

Kabul airport explosion kills 13 US service members, US officials say

White House updates Kabul evacuation figures

01:55 , Graeme Massie

The US says that since 14 August it has evacuated around 100,100 people, and since the end of July has re-located 105,700 people.

LAPD pays tribute to US troops killed in Kabul blast

02:45 , Graeme Massie

“With a heavy heart & profound grief, we recognize the sacrifice of our service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan today as well as the tremendous loss of innocent lives. The loss is tragic but the heroic efforts to evacuate fellow Americans & allies will not be forgotten,” the department tweeted.

Representative Asam Kinzinger hits out at Trump Afghan deal

03:31 , Graeme Massie

The lawmaker, who is an Afghanistan veteran, told CNN that much of the issues being faced in Kabul are down to the one-term president.

“Donald Trump set up a deal that would make Neville Chamberlain blush,” he said during an appearance on CNN.

ICYMI: Why did US leave Afghanistan and how much did America spend?

04:00 , Josh Marcus

How did it come to this in Afghanistan?

We’ve got all the context you need here to understand the current situation in the country, from the military resources poured into the Afghan campaign to the reasons why the US eventually decided to abandon it.

Why did US leave Afghanistan and how much did America spend?

MSNBC analyst Malcolm Nance slammed after tweeting ‘deal with it’ about Kabul explosions

04:30 , Josh Marcus

Joe Biden isn’t the only one under scrutiny for his reactions to the Afghanistan crisis.

Terrorism and intelligence media pundit Malcolm Nance has been criticised after writing on Twitter that “there have been terrorist suicide bombers killing civilians nearly DAILY in Afghanistan” for 20 years.

“This ain’t new. It’s why we are leaving” he wrote, adding the hashtag: “Deal with it.”Gustaf Kilander has the story here.

MSNBC analyst slammed after tweeting ‘deal with it’ about Kabul explosions

Kabul attack ‘deadliest day for US military’ since August 2011

05:00 , Josh Marcus

The double-strike attack at Kabul airport that killed up 60 people including a dozen American troops is believed to represent the deadliest single day for the US military in 10 years.

As Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, involving two explosions at the airport where crowds were thronging to try and leave the country, the US military said it would not be deterred by the assault.

The Independent’s Andrew Buncombe has the details here.

Kabul attack ‘deadliest day for US military’ since August 2011

Kevin McCarthy tells Republicans Biden will face a ‘reckoning’ for the handling of Afghanistan exit

05:12 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, on Thursday vowed Joe Biden will face a “reckoning” for his handling of the US exit from Afghanistan.

He, however, didn’t call for Mr Biden’s resignation or impeachment as some Republican leaders did, according to sources quoted by news channel CNN.

Mr McCarthy told Republicans he spoke with Mr Biden earlier in the day on Thursday and said the focus right now needs to be on getting Americans out of Afghanistan safely.

He mentioned that any calls for Mr Biden’s resignation would be counterproductive. He told the members on the call: “We are going to hold every single person accountable.”

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said “it’s not a day for politics” when pressed about Republican calls for Mr Biden’s resignation.

WATCH: Biden vows to ‘hunt down’ US enemies after suicide bombers kill US servicemen in Kabul

05:30 , Josh Marcus

President Joe Biden vowed during a White House address on Thursday to exact revenge after a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport killed 13 US military personnel. Watch his comments below.

Foreign forces aiming to evacuate citizens, embassy staff by 30 August

05:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A NATO official has told Reuters that all foreign forces are now aiming to evacuate their citizens and embassy employees from Afghanistan by 30 August.

“Taliban leaders should investigate the Islamic State network in Kabul, they allowed thousands of prisoners to walk out of jails in recent weeks, security is their responsibility,” said the unidentified NATO senior official.

At least 13 US service members were killed in the Kabul airport attack on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Rep. Barry Loudermilk tweeted that “Joe Biden has lost the trust of the American people, and shown he’s not fit to serve as President & Commander-in-Chief. For the future of our nation, our freedom, and our future, it is time for him to resign.”

US braces for more ISIS attacks after the carnage at Kabul airport

05:49 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The head of the US Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, said “commanders were on alert for more attacks by Islamic State,” including possibly rockets or vehicle-borne bombs targeting the airport, Reuters reported.

“We’re doing everything we can to be prepared,” he said. He added that some intelligence was being shared with the Taliban and that he believed “some attacks have been thwarted by them.”

Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the Pentagon to plan how to strike the ISIS-K, the Islamic State affiliate that claimed responsibility for Kabul attacks.

“We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay,” he said.

Nancy Pelosi asks lawmakers not to travel to Afghanistan

05:59 , Maroosha Muzaffar

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday asked members of Congress to not visit Afghanistan or any of the neighbouring countries after 60 Afghan civilians and at least 12 US service members were killed in the Kabul airport attacks.

Ms Pelosi, in a letter to the lawmakers, said the Department of Defense and the State Department have “explicitly stated” such trips would “unnecessarily divert needed resources” from evacuating Americans and Afghan allies.

The California Democrat’s letter came a few days after two congressmen — Representatives Peter Meijer and Seth Moulton — “secretly” travelled to Kabul.

She also said she and other congressional leaders were briefed by defense secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday and that Congress “remains deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian situation.”

Australia and New Zealand end Kabul evacuation missions

06:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A day after the deadly Kabul attacks, Australia and New Zealand announced they are ending their evacuation operations from Afghanistan.

“We strongly condemn what is a despicable attack on many innocent families and individuals who were simply seeking safety from the incredibly difficult and fragile situation in Afghanistan,” said New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

There would be no more evacuation flights from Kabul, she added.

Australian defense minister Peter Dutton also confirmed Australia has ended its own Afghanistan evacuation mission.

Kamala Harris pays tribute to US service members killed in the Kabul attacks

06:50 , Maroosha Muzaffar

US vice president Kamala Harris termed the 13 US “courageous service members” who died in the deadly Kabul attacks on Thursday as “heroes.”

In a series of tweets, Ms Harris said: “Doug [Emhoff, her husband] and I grieve for the Americans we lost, we pray for the Americans injured in the attack, and our hearts go out to their loved ones. We also grieve for the Afghan civilians killed and injured.”

“​​Our country is grateful to our women and men in uniform, and in particular, those working today to get Americans and our Afghan partners out of harm’s way. We will complete that mission. Today, we honor those who gave their lives in service to their nation. We will never forget,” she added.

UK entering final stages of evacuation efforts in Kabul, defence ministry says

07:32 , Conrad Duncan

British forces are entering the final stages of evacuation efforts at Kabul airport, with processing facilities closed, the UK’s defence ministry has said.

The department said on Friday morning that efforts would now be focused on evacuating British nationals and others who have already been cleared to leave and are already at the airport.

It added that no further people would be called forward to the airport for evacuation.

“It is with deep regret that not everyone has been able to be evacuated during this process,” defence minister Ben Wallace said in a statement.

The UK has so far evacuated more than 13,700 British nationals and Afghans, representing the second biggest airlift by the country's air force after the Berlin Airlift in 1949, according to the ministry.

ICYMI: Biden vows to ‘hunt down’ terrorists over 13 Americans killed in Kabul

07:47 , Conrad Duncan

US president Joe Biden has vowed to avenge the 13 American service members killed in suicide bomb attacks in Kabul this week, warning that he will “hunt down” those responsible.

“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,” Mr Biden said.

Our reporter, Eric Garcia, has the full story below:

Biden vows to avenge 13 Americans killed in Kabul: ‘We will hunt you down’

Senior Republicans call for Biden to resign over Afghanistan crisis

08:10 , Conrad Duncan

Senior Republicans have called for Joe Biden to resign over the ongoing chaos in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops from the country.

On Thursday, Nikki Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN under Donald Trump, suggested that Mr Biden should “step down or be removed” over the crisis, while Republican senator Marsha Blackburn claimed that both the president and VP Kamala Harris should resign.

Earlier this week, Republican senator Lindsey Graham argued that Mr Biden should be impeached over the withdrawal, which he said had led to thousands of Afghans who assisted the US being “abandoned”.

Analysis: The day Biden’s vow to end America’s longest war turned into a deadly debacle

08:27 , Conrad Duncan

The terror attacks in Kabul on Thursday have left Joe Biden scrambling to get a grip on the chaos unfolding in Afghanistan, undermining his promise of a measured and responsible withdrawal of US troops, according to our chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe.

Andrew writes:

“Once again a US president is scrambled to the White House situation room, trying to get a grip on the chaos unfolding, even as the Pentagon admits it is bracing for further attacks. And Joe Biden, adamant no more US lives be lost in Afghanistan during his watch, must be watching on in horror as fresh American blood is spilled.”

You can find his full piece below:

The day Joe Biden’s vow to end America’s longest war turned into a deadly debacle

Biden to hold talks with Israel’s PM on Iran

08:48 , Conrad Duncan

Joe Biden is scheduled to host Israeli PM Naftali Bennett at the White House today to discuss Iran, among other issues, after being forced to postpone the face-to-face meeting due to the suicide bombings in Kabul on Thursday.

In a statement early this morning, Mr Bennett's office said Mr Biden called the Israeli PM and “thanked [him] for his understanding of the change in time of their meeting, in light of the events in Afghanistan”.

Mr Bennett expressed his deepest condolences over the attacks and said Israel shared with the US in its sorrow, the statement added.

The meeting, which is the first since the two men took office, is aimed at resetting the tone of US-Israeli relations and finding common ground on Iran despite differences on how to deal with its nuclear programme.

Mr Bennett, a far-right politician who ended Mr Netanyahu's 12-year run as prime minister in June, is expected to press the US president to harden his approach to Iran and halt negotiations aimed at reviving an international nuclear deal with Tehran that Donald Trump abandoned.

US braces for more attacks after 85 people killed at Kabul airport

09:02 , Conrad Duncan

US commanders are on high alert for more deadly attacks in Afghanistan, including those involving rockets and vehicle-borne explosives, following Thursday’s double-strike blast and gunfire outside Kabul airport that killed 85 people.

General Frank McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, said on Thursday that officials were doing “everything we can to be prepared” as he confirmed that more attacks were expected.

Our reporter, Arpan Rai, has the full story below:

US braces for more attacks after Isis bomber kills 85 people outside Kabul airport

At least 95 Afghans killed in Kabul suicide bombings, official says

09:19 , Conrad Duncan

At least 95 Afghans have been killed in Thursday’s suicide bombings outside Kabul’s international airport, a source has told the Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, said that the actual death toll would be even higher because others were involved in evacuating bodies.

Afghan and US officials earlier said the bombings had killed at least 60 Afghans and 13 US troops, in the deadliest day for US forces in Afghanistan since August 2011.

Biden has taken ‘morally reprehensible’ actions in Afghanistan, former official says

09:46 , Conrad Duncan

Joe Biden has taken “morally reprehensible” actions in Afghanistan over the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from the country, according to a former US defence official.

David Sedney, the former deputy assistant secretary of defence for Afghanistan, told Sky News on Friday that US forces had been put into a “bad position” by Mr Biden, as the crisis in Kabul has worsened.

“I think that President Biden has taken morally reprehensible and inhumane actions, and it’s affected a lot more than American military personnel, it has affected the lives of millions of Afghans as well,” Mr Sedney said.

You can find his comments in full below:

US military aircraft flies 400 evacuees to navy base in Spain

10:07 , Conrad Duncan

A US military aircraft has flown around 400 people evacuated from Afghanistan to the navy base of Rota in southern Spain - the first group of up to 4,000 people expected to arrive there.

The US embassy in Spain said that the flight landed at 9:40am local time on Friday, with US officials, American and Spanish soldiers, Red Cross workers and base volunteers in charge of processing arrivals.

The Rota navy base and the nearby air force base of Moron have been overhauled in recent days to welcome the evacuees.

A bilateral agreement signed last week between the governments of Spain and the US is allowing the evacuation to the two bases of up to 4,000 people while they are being cleared for continuing their trips to the US.

The Spanish government has put a 15-day cap for the Afghans' stay in the bases.

Afghanistan crisis is result of ‘very unwise’ decision by White House, senior Tory says

10:23 , Conrad Duncan

The crisis in Afghanistan is the result of a “very unwise” political decision by the Biden administration but does not represent a military defeat, a senior Tory MP has said.

Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told Sky News on Friday that the chaos unfolding in the country was “exceptionally painful” to see, as he paid tribute to the military personnel that had served in Kabul.

“Let’s not say that they were defeated, they weren’t, this is a political decision,” Mr Tugendhat said.

“It’s a decision very unwisely made in the White House and it is one that we will all pay for. But it is not a military defeat.”

You can find his comments in full below:

Kabul attacks ‘worst day’ for Biden so far, former defence secretary says

10:43 , Conrad Duncan

The attacks at Kabul airport on Thursday that killed 13 American troops and dozens of Afghans will be remembered as the “worst day” of Joe Biden’s administration so far, according to a former US defence secretary.

Leon Panetta, who served in Barack Obama’s administration, outlined the multiple threats facing US military personnel in Afghanistan on Friday following the attacks.

“This is a dangerous and difficult situation, and there’s no question that it is probably Joe Biden’s worst nightmare to lose 13 marines as a result of what’s happened here,” Mr Panetta told CNN.

“This has got to be the worst day of his administration.”

You can find his comments in full below:

China condemns Kabul attacks, says it will work to prevent terrorism

11:01 , Conrad Duncan

China has condemned the attacks on Kabul airport this week and said it is ready to work with the international community to “prevent Afghanistan from becoming a source of terrorism again”.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that no Chinese people had been killed or injured in the attacks as he advised Chinese citizens in Afghanistan to “strengthen security precautions”.

“Meanwhile, we have requested the relevant parties to take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel,” Mr Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

China has kept its embassy in Kabul open and recently hosted talks between the Taliban and its ambassador.

“The head of the Afghan Taliban has made it clear to China that he will never allow any forces to use Afghan territory to do things detrimental to China,” Mr Zhao added.

“We hope that the relevant parties will take effective measures to ensure a smooth transition of the situation in Afghanistan and the personal safety of the Afghan people and foreign citizens there.”

ICYMI: Biden in tense exchange with Fox News reporter after Kabul statement

11:22 , Conrad Duncan

Joe Biden concluded his news conference on the Kabul airport attacks on Thursday by getting into a tense exchange with Fox News’ Peter Doocy, who suggested that the US president was squarely to blame for the chaos in Afghanistan.

Mr Biden argued that attacks on US personnel had merely ceased last year due to a promise by then-president Donald Trump to leave the country by 1 May.

Our reporter, John Bowden, has the full story below:

Biden puts head in his hands during tense exchange with Fox reporter

‘There is going to be a reckoning’: GOP split over how to hit Biden on Afghanistan

11:41 , Conrad Duncan

The Republican Party is split over how to respond to Joe Biden’s chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan after some members of the party called for the president to resign, according to a report.

CNN reports that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthey has pushed back against some members of his party by arguing that it is counterproductive to call for Mr Biden’s immediate resignation while Americans are still being evacuated from the country.

“Promise you, there is going to be a reckoning,” Mr McCarthy reportedly told members on a GOP conference call.

“We are going to hold every single person accountable.”

Republicans are apparently wary of looking opportunistic by using the crisis too quickly for political gain, but they are eager to make sure it is remembered as a key moment of Mr Biden’s presidency.

Trump suggests Osama bin Laden was not ‘a monster’

12:03 , Conrad Duncan

Donald Trump has suggested that Osama bin Laden was not a “monster” and only “had one hit” in an interview ahead of the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack.

The former US president told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday that Isis is “tougher” and “nastier” than the Taliban as he boasted about US military operations during his time in office.

Our reporter, Alisha Rahaman Sarkar, has the full story below:

Trump suggests Laden wasn’t ‘a monster’ and had ‘only one hit’ in new interview

Sweden says evacuation mission is over despite some citizens being left behind

12:24 , Conrad Duncan

Sweden has said that its evacuation mission from Kabul airport “has been completed” but not every citizen has been able to leave Afghanistan.

Foreign minister Ann Linde admitted on Friday that officials had “not reached the ambition of evacuating even more [Swedes]” along with civil society groups and former local employees of the Armed Forces.

“The reason why it didn't work is partly because the Taliban stopped Afghan citizens that we had managed to get to the airport,” Ms Linde said.

In total, Sweden has evacuated about 1,100 people.

US under fire for trusting Taliban with list of names of aides for evacuation

12:41 , Conrad Duncan

US officials are facing strong criticism today for reportedly giving the Taliban a list of names of American citizens, green card holders and Afghan allies to grant entry into the city’s airport.

Joe Biden said on Thursday that he was not aware of the US military sharing such information with the Taliban, but added that he could not rule it out.

Our reporter, Maroosha Muzaffar, has the full story below:

US under fire for trusting Taliban with list of names of aides they want to evacuate

‘Better than even’ chance of another attack within days, ex-US Navy admiral says

13:03 , Conrad Duncan

There is a “better than even” chance that Kabul sees another terrorist attack in the coming days as evacuations from Afghanistan continue, a retired US Navy admiral has warned.

When asked about the possibility of another attack, James Stavridis told NBC’s Today: “I think better than even…

“These kinds of attacks tend to go in waves, think about three to four years ago, it felt like every month you were seeing a spectacular Isis attack somewhere around the world.

“That’s the DNA of this group, it’s quite horrific to contemplate that.”

You can find his comments in full below:

US says 105,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan since mid-August

13:25 , Conrad Duncan

About 12,500 people have been evacuated from Afghanistan in the last 24-hour period, raising the total evacuees since 14 August to roughly 105,000, according to the White House.

Since the end of July, about 110,600 people have left the country, the White House said.

Evacuations have resumed after two blasts killed dozens of people, including 13 US soldiers, outside the gates of Kabul airport on Thursday evening, with troops on alert for more possible attacks.

About 5,000 of the 12,500 individuals evacuated on Thursday were air-lifted out that night, according to White House figures.

13:41 , Conrad Duncan

You can see images below from the Rota Air Base in southern Spain, where a group of 450 Afghan citizens have arrived today after being evacuated from Kabul:

Russia condemns attacks at Kabul airport

14:05 , Conrad Duncan

The Russian government has strongly condemned the deadly attacks at Kabul airport on Thursday and officials remain seriously concerned about the situation in Afghanistan, a spokesperson for the Kremlin has said.

“Unfortunately, pessimistic forecasts are being confirmed that terrorist groups and organisations that have settled there, the Islamic State first and foremost, and its derivatives, would take advantage of the chaos that has arisen in Afghanistan,” Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Mr Peskov noted that the incident “adds to the tensions in Afghanistan”, which remain an issue of “serious concern” for the Kremlin.

US and coalition forces evacuate 12,500 people from Kabul from Thursday into Friday morning

14:12 , Alex Woodward

From Thursday until early Friday, roughly 12,500 people were evacuated from Kabul on 25 military flights carrying 8,500 evacuees and 54 coalition flights carrying 4,000 people, according to the White House.

The number of evacuated people has reached roughly 105,000 since 14 August. The US has “re-located approximately 110,600 people” since the end of July, according to the White House.

Obama: ‘Michelle and I were heartbroken'

14:38 , Alex Woodward

Former President Barack Obama has issued a statement in the wake of Thursday’s attacks in Afghanistan.

“Like so many of you, Michelle and I were heartbroken to hear about the terrorist attack outside the Kabul airport that killed and wounded so many US service members, as well as Afghan men, women, and children,” he said.

“As president, nothing was more painful than grieving with the loved ones of Americans who gave their lives serving our country,” he continued. “As President Biden said, these service members are heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others.”

Trump keeps referring to Isis-X instead of Isis-K after insisting he could have stopped suicide bomber

15:00 , Alex Woodward

Speaking to Sean Hannity, Trump – who declared that he “completely” destroyed Isis and campaigned on that pledge – repeatedly referred to Isis-K as Isis-X and insisted he would have stopped the attacks that killed dozens of people, including US service members, in Kabul, despite the genesis of the attack and withdrawal tracing directly back to his administration’s aborted efforts in 2020.

He corrected his mistake but then claimed that Isis-X will become real anyway.

“They have people, as I said, that broke away ... because the Taliban wasn’t mean enough and vicious enough,” he said. “And that’s the new Isis-X, where they broke away, or Isis-K. They’ll have an Isis-X pretty soon, which is going to be worse.”

Trump keeps referring to ISIS-X instead of ISIS-K in interview

Pentagon officials to provide update

15:26 , Alex Woodward

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby and Army Maj Gen William D ‘Hank’ Taylor will provide a briefing momentarily on the ongoing evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.

GOP House leader urges Pelosi to call lawmakers back into session to pass bill to block withdrawal of troops

15:43 , Alex Woodward

GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy is speaking to reporters to urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi to call lawmakers back into session and pass legislation that would prevent the US from withdrawing troops from Afghanistan until “every American is out of Afghanistan safely.”

Pentagon does not believe there was an explosion at Baron Hotel

15:51 , Alex Woodward

Maj Gen Hank Taylor told reporters that officials believe there was only one suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, correcting previous reports that there was a second attack at the Baron Hotel.

Injured service members sent to military medical centre in Germany, Pentagon says

15:55 , Alex Woodward

According to the Pentagon, 13 US service members were killed and 18 were wounded in Kabul attacks on Thursday. The injured have been transported to the US Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Pentagon officials say initial confusion in chaos may have ‘misreported’ attack

16:00 , Alex Woodward

“I can confirm for you that we do not believe that there was a second explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, that it was one suicide bomber,” US Army Maj Gen Hank Taylor told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday.

“We’re not sure how that report was provided incorrectly,” he said. “We do know that in the confusion ... that can cause information to be misreported or garble. We felt it was important to correct the record.”

Pentagon officials ‘prepared for and would expect’ future attacks

16:14 , Alex Woodward

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday that the US “certainly are prepared [for] and would expect future attempts” of terror attacks in Afghanistan, echoing earlier comments this week.

Mr Kirby said he would “not get into specifics of what they are” but said officials are “monitoring threats –very, very specifically – virtually and in real-time.”

Pentagon expects to be more ‘judicious’ about troop numbers on the ground

16:16 , Alex Woodward

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday that US officials will likely “become more judicious” about information released about troops on the ground in Afghanistan as the 31 August withdrawal date nears.

“I would not expect us to be giving that number out going forward, and what the capabilities are, and where they are,” he added.

Pentagon admits ‘thousands’ of Isis-K militants released from US prisons by Taliban

16:19 , Alex Woodward

Breaking news from The Independent’s chief Washington correspondent Eric Garcia:

Pentagon admits ‘thousands’ of Isis-K militants released from US prisons by Taliban

Pentagon committed to ‘ending this mission at the end of the month’ as 31 August deadline approaches

16:36 , Alex Woodward

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters on Friday that the US is “still planning on ending this mission at the end of the month” as the 31 August deadline for withdrawal approaches.

“As we get closer, and we are getting closer, you’re going see us begin to make those muscle movements to pull out our troops and some of our equipment, as appropriate with any retrograde,” he said.

Officials will aim to “preserve as much capability for as long we we can” for its “security footprint” and ongoing evacuations.

“I think you’ll see us adjust as necessary to make sure that we’re achieving that proper balance,” he added. “But we’ll be able to fly out evacuees right up until the last moment.”

He said it would not speculate what will happen after “this particular mission” winds down, but “I would not envision a significant military role in that effort going forward,” he said.

“Lives are still the priority, the lives of our troops and of course the lives of the evacuees and trying to get as many out as possible,” he said.

US Army confirms 1 solider among those killed in Kabul

17:12 , Alex Woodward

The US Army has confirmed that one of its service members was among the 13 US service members killed in Kabul on Thursday.

“I am heart-broken by the appalling attacks in Kabul and offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” said Army chief of staff Gen James C McConville. “These fallen Service Members died ensuring that others might live. They represent the very best of America, and we continue this mission in their honor.”

The US Marine Corps had previously announced that 10 Marines were among those killed dead, and the US Navy confirmed that one sailor was also killed.

McCarthy: ‘There will be a day of reckoning'

17:20 , Alex Woodward

GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy has left open the possibly of joining Republican lawmakers who have called to impeach Biden over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

When asked about his colleagues’ calls for the president to step down or be removed from office, Mr McCarthy told reporters on Friday: “If you want to be president of a free world, you have to have faith and trust and confidence. President Biden lost that. There will be a day of reckoning, and we have a constitutional right.”

Biden: Death of US service members follows ‘worthy mission’ to evacuate people from Kabul

17:45 , Alex Woodward

Biden did not answer questions on Afghanistan during a brief press appearance following a meeting with Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett but he did address the deaths of 13 US service members.

“Losing a son or daughter, a husband, a wife, is like being sucked into a big black hole in your chest and you don’t think there’s any way out,” he said.

“Our hearts go out to all those who we lost,” he added. “But look, the mission there they performed is dangerous, and now it’s come with a significant loss of American personnel. But it’s a worthy mission because they continue to evacuate folks out of the region, out of the airport. Evacuated more than 12,000 additional people out of the airport in the last 24 hours.”

Nat sec team tells Biden ‘another terror attack in Kabul is likely'

18:02 , Alex Woodward

Biden met with his national security team and diplomats on Friday morning, with VP Harris joining by teleconference, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

“They advised the President and Vice President that another terror attack in Kabul is likely, but that they are taking maximum force protection measures at the Kabul Airport,” she said in a statement.

Military officials also updated the president and vice president “on plans to develop Isis-K targets,” she added.

“The next few days of this mission will be the most dangerous period to date,” the statement said. “The President reaffirmed with the commanders his approval of all authorities they need to conduct the operation and protect our troops, and all reported back that they have the resources they believe they need to do so effectively.”

Tributes paid to US Navy sailor killed in Kabul attack: ‘He was helping to save lives’

18:15 , Alex Woodward

A US Navy hospital corpsman from northeast Ohio has been identified as one of the 13 US service members killed in an attack by the Isis-K terror organisation outside Kabul airport in Afghanistan.

Graig Graziosi has more:

Tributes paid to US Navy sailor killed in Kabul attack

Two Republican lawmakers introduce articles of impeachment against Secretary Blinken

18:43 , Alex Woodward

In a move that has no chance of success as GOP outrage continues in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, two Republican lawmakers have introduced introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The measure from US Reps Ralph Norman and Andy Harris accuses him of “complete and utter failure of managing this avoidable catastrophe.”

One article charges Mr Blinken with dereliction of duty, accusing him of leaving “American property, military equipment and weapons in the hands of enemies of the United States” and “American citizens stranded in life threatening situations.”

Capitol riot committee demands 15 social media companies

18:58 , Alex Woodward

A day after issuing subpoenas for a massive trove of documents from several federal agencies, including the White House, the House Select Committee investigating the 6 January attack on the US Capitol has demanded records from 15 social media companies.

The requests call for documents “related to the spread of misinformation, efforts to overturn the 2020 election or prevent the certification of the results, domestic violent extremism, and foreign influence in the 2020 election” across their platforms.

More here:

Capitol riot committee demands 15 social media companies hand over records

Psaki responds to GOP threats to impeach Biden

19:10 , Alex Woodward

Asked whether she believes “now is not the time” for Republican lawmakers to weigh impeachment against Biden, White House press secretary said “correct.”

“The backdrop here is the US men and women of the military ... are bravely continuing a mission to save lives on the ground,” she said.

Psaki on Biden’s remarks on attackers: ‘He does not want them to live on earth anymore’

19:13 , Alex Woodward

Asked to clarify Biden’s pledge to “hunt down” those responsible for the attacks that killed dozens of people in Kabul, White House press secretary said: “I think he made clear yesterday that he does not want them to live on earth anymore.”

One Afghan family’s astonishing escape from Kabul to a new life in America

19:34 , Alex Woodward

The Independent’s Andrew Buncombe has this report following one family’s journey from Kabul, and a father’s fear about his family in Afghanistan.

One Afghan family’s astonishing escape from Kabul to a new life in America

US relationship with Taliban ‘not ideal’ but necessary to coordinate evacuations as organisation expands control

19:38 , Alex Woodward

The US is both relying on coordination with the Taliban as evacuations are ongoing while also underscoring that it does not trust the organisation, White House press secretary Jen Psaki clarified on Friday.

“This is not a preferred relationship or a situation that we would have designed if we had started from scratch, I think that’s very clear,” she told reporters. “But right now we need to continue to coordinate, that’s our focus for the next couple of days.”

She added: “The reality is the ... Taliban control large swaths of Afghanistan, including the area surrounding the perimeter of the airport, so by necessity that is our option, to coordinate ... to get American citizens out, to get our Afghan partners out, to get individuals who are eligible for the range of programs the United States has out.”

Marines confirm 11th service member among those killed in Kabul

19:42 , Alex Woodward

The US Marine Corps has confirmed 11 US Marines have been killed in Thursday’s attack in Kabul.

The death toll among US military includes 11 Marines, a US Army service member and one US Navy hospital corpsman. Another 18 US service members were injured.

Pentagon officials to hold press conference

20:09 , Alex Woodward

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby and Air Force Gen Glen VanHerck, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and US Northern Command, will hold a briefing at 3.30pm EST on the status of Afghanistan withdrawal and evacuations.

Israeli PM offers ‘condolences and deep sadness’ in White House meeting with Biden

20:30 , Alex Woodward

In a meeting with Biden at the White House on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett extended “condolences and deep sadness for the loss of American lives” following the attack in Kabul.

“The American servicemembers lost their lives while on a mission to save other people’s lives, and that’s the very definition of courage and sacrifice. May they rest in peace,” he said.

The leaders discussed Covid-19, national security threats and Iran’s nuclear capability, according to the White House.

Mr Bennett added that Israel is “in the toughest neighborhood in the world.”

“We’ve got Isis on our southern border, Hezbollah on our northern border, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Iranian militias that surround us,” he continued. “They all want to annihilate the Jewish State.”

He thanked the president for helping to “fortify Israel’s strategic advantage.”

Psaki swats down impeachment chatter and GOP backlash on Kabul: ‘Now is not the time for politics’

20:33 , Alex Woodward

The Independent’s Eric Garcia has more on the White House response to calls from GOP lawmakers to impeach Biden or remove him from office.

Psaki swats down impeachment chatter and Kabul backlash: ‘Not the time for politics’

State Department communicating with 500 Americans to evacuate

20:43 , Alex Woodward

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Friday that the department is communication with roughly 500 Americans to coordinate their evacuation from Afghanistan.

“Last night alone, we reached out to every American who we believe may be in Afghanistan and attempting to leave,” he said. “In many cases, we did this again multiple times, by phone, by email, by text.”

He also said the “vast majority” of US embassy staff and their families have been evacuated or are at the airport in Kabul waiting to leave.

US forces have evacuated roughly 12,500 people over a 24-hour period into early Friday morning, according to the White House. Since the end of July, the US has relocated approximately 110,600 people, the White House said on Friday.

Defense Department: Afghan refugees will remain on base ‘as long as it takes’ as families start over in US

21:06 , Alex Woodward

US Air Force Gen Glen VanHerck, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and US Northern Command, described facilities on base for vulnerable Afghans entering the US as they go through the screening and relocation process.

Government facilities will offer culturally appropriate food, clothing and places of worship, among other services, he said. He said that one father thanked him, describing that he could sleep for the first time without being afraid for his family.

People will remain on base “as long as it takes to get them through the process,” he added.

“They’re coming here, starting over, with what they bring with them,” he said.

Facilities have also had support from NGOs and donations from families.

They will remain on base until they complete a rigorous, often-lengthy special immigrant via process through the State Department before being relocated, likely in communities with Afghan populations or in many cases where they may have family, Gen VanHerck said.

21:21 , Alex Woodward

We’re closing live coverage of the Biden administration and US withdrawal from Afghanistan for Friday, 27 August. Stay tuned with The Independent.