What's happened
A review by US Central Command of the Kabul airport bombing in August 2021 reveals that the attack was not preventable, the 'bald man in black' was misidentified, and the bomber was Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an Islamic State militant released by the Taliban.
Why it matters
The review of the Kabul airport bombing brings closure to the debate surrounding the tragic event, highlighting the challenges faced by US service members and the complexities of the situation in Afghanistan. Understanding the circumstances of the attack is essential for improving security measures and preventing similar incidents in the future.
What the papers say
The Guardian and The Independent provide detailed accounts of the review findings, emphasizing the misidentification of the bomber and the emotional testimony from a Marine injured in the blast. The New York Times focuses on the Pentagon's reaffirmation that the attack was not preventable and the rejection of accusations of missed opportunities to avert the tragedy.
How we got here
The Kabul airport bombing in August 2021 marked a devastating moment during the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. The attack, carried out by Abdul Rahman al-Logari, resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members and numerous Afghan civilians. The review by US Central Command aimed to clarify the events leading up to the bombing and address lingering questions about the response to the threat.
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.