Taliban Attacks Kabul Airport after Defense Secretary James Mattis’ Arrival
- Updated Sep 27, 2017
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack on Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. The rocket and grenade attack reportedly took place less than two hours after U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrived at the airport.
FoxNews.com reports that Mattis traveled to Afghanistan to meet with President Ghani. Mattis spoke about the attack during a news conference in Kabul:
“If in fact there was an attack on an international airport anywhere in the world, if it's an attack by a terrorist it's designed to go after innocent people," Mattis said. "And this is a classic definition of what the Taliban is up to now."
"We will suffocate any hope that Al Qaeda or ISIS or the Taliban have of winning by killing. I want to reinforce to the Talban that the only path to peace and political legitimacy to them is through a negotiated settlement," he added.
No one was killed in the attack, although one person was reportedly injured. Mattis had already left the airport when the attack occurred.
Mattis is visiting Afghanistan in hopes of paving the way for the successful execution of President Trump’s new policy regarding the ongoing war in the country.
There are about 11,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan currently, and the President has outlined plans to send about 3,500 more to join the fight.
Photo courtesy: Wikipedia
Publication date: September 27, 2017
