The Pentagon has announced upgraded military honors for a group of US Marines who defended Kabul’s international airport during the deadly suicide bombing in August 2021, acknowledging that their original recognition fell short of their actions.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Marines stationed at Abbey Gate were fully aware of an imminent attack and remained in exposed positions with limited protection to ensure evacuation operations continued. He described their conduct as exceptionally courageous, noting that the revised awards aim to correct an earlier underestimation of their bravery.
Details regarding the number of service members affected and their identities were not disclosed. The decision to elevate the awards was approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The bombing, carried out by the ISIS group, killed 13 US troops and around 170 Afghan civilians during the final stages of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The US military presence in Afghanistan, which began in 2001, concluded after two decades with a withdrawal that has faced sustained criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who have pointed to the chaotic scenes at Kabul airport.
The exit was marked by the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, which fell to Taliban forces as international troops completed their departure.
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