A Republican lawmaker says President Joe Biden is “unfit” to serve as the commander-in-chief in the wake of two explosions in Kabul, Afghanistan.
In a tweet on Thursday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (D-N.Y.) said, “Joe Biden has blood on his hands.”
“The buck stops with the President of the United States,” she continued.
Finally, she said, “This horrific national security and humanitarian disaster is solely the result of Joe Biden’s weak and incompetent leadership. He is unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.”
Joe Biden has blood on his hands.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 26, 2021
The buck stops with the President of the United States.
This horrific national security and humanitarian disaster is solely the result of Joe Biden’s weak and incompetent leadership. He is unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.
On Thursday morning, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that there were at least two explosions in Kabul that “resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties.”
In a separate statement, Kirby said, “We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured,” he added.
Statement on this morning's attack at #HKIA: pic.twitter.com/Qb1DIAJQJU
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021
The Washington Post’s Dan Lamothe notes, “This marks the first U.S. military fatalities in Afghanistan since February 2020, when two soldiers were killed.”
“The U.S. signed a deal with the Taliban later that month that included a promise not to target Americans,” he added as he noted that the attacks were believed to be carried out by ISIS.
The explosions come as the U.S. is evacuating Americans and Afghan allies ahead of an Aug. 31 deadline for its withdrawal.
Biden said on Tuesday that the U.S. was on pace to finish its withdrawal by the deadline but added that “the sooner we can finish the better” as he noted that “each day brings added risk to our troops.”
On Wednesday, U.S. and U.K. officials warned citizens against traveling to the airport due to a terror threat.
According to a White House pool report, “The President met with his national security team this morning, including Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, and commanders on the ground. He will continue to be briefed on updates on the evolving situation throughout the day.”
