Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is calling on President Joe Biden to take immediate action in response to explosions in Kabul, Afghanistan, to “protect Americans.”
In a tweet on Thursday, Scott wrote, “The images out of Kabul today are horrifying. Pray for our troops. Pray for the innocent Americans and Afghans targeted by this attack.”
“President Biden must immediately and forcefully respond to protect Americans and safely complete the evacuation,” he added.
The images out of Kabul today are horrifying. Pray for our troops. Pray for the innocent Americans and Afghans targeted by this attack.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 26, 2021
President Biden must immediately and forcefully respond to protect Americans and safely complete the evacuation. #AfghanistanCrisis
The tweet comes shortly after the Pentagon confirmed at least two explosions in Kabul, Afghanistan.
In a tweet, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, “We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties.”
“We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate,” he added.
We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.
— Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder (@PressSecRyder) August 26, 2021
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tweeted that the U.S. should “reestablish our presence in [the Bagram Air Base] as an alternative to the Kabul airport so that we do not leave our fellow citizens and thousands of Afghan allies behind.”
“The retaking of Bagram would put our military at risk, but I think those involved in the operation would gladly accept that risk because it would restore our honor as a nation and save lives,” he added.
The retaking of Bagram would put our military at risk, but I think those involved in the operation would gladly accept that risk because it would restore our honor as a nation and save lives.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 26, 2021
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.
