Topline
On Sunday, President Joe Biden flew to Dover (Delaware) to witness the respectful transfer of the 13 U.S. military personnel who were killed in a terrorist attack on the Hamid Karzai Airport, Kabul. This was his first appearance at such an event since becoming president.
After a prayer, Joe Biden and Jill Biden, the US First Lady, walk off a military aircraft as they attend the respectful transfer of the remains to the 13 servicemen killed in Afghanistan. This took place at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware on August 29, 2021. Sunday's preparations at a US military base for the reception of the remains of 13 American servicemen killed in an attack on Kabul. This solemn ceremony comes amid intense criticism of Biden's handling of the Afghanistan crisis. Biden and Jill met for the first time in black with black masks on their faces. They were accompanied by relatives of the deceased at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The base is located just two hours from Washington. It is a place that marks the return of combat-soldiers. (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB / AFP). (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images). AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
Biden held his heart open and watched as six groups of soldiers loaded the caskets of fallen service personnel out of a military C-17 into transport vehicles. The First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, Secretary for Defense Lloyd Austin, and several other civilian and uniformed military officers were also present at the event, all of whom were wearing masks. According to a White House pool report that said anguished sobbing could also be heard from their direction, the families of service personnel were present as well. However, media was not allowed to photograph, film or look at them. According to the pool report, Austin, the Bidens and five other officials were on the C-17 military transport aircraft to pray before the transfers. Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum (20); Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz 20; Cpt. Hunter Lopez, 22. Lance Cpl David Espinoza 20; Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikuui, 20; Staff Sergeant. Ryan Knauss, 23; Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover, 31; Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23; Cpl. Daegan Page, 23; Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22; Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20; Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo is 25; and Navy medic Max Soviak is 22.
Important Background
On Thursday, suicide bombers and gunmen attacked Kabul's airport. This was the location of U.S. military evacuations of Afghans and Americans still in Afghanistan. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group. The U.S. launched an airstrike in retaliation against two of the attackers and a strike against potential car bombers.
Important Quote
The dignified transfer does not take place in a ceremony, but is rather a solemn movement by a team of military personnel from the service of the fallen, according to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations website.
What to Watch
Biden insists that the U.S. will complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan by August 31. This date has been held despite repeated requests from both sides for an extension. In a CNN interview, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser, stated that the U.S. has the ability to make the Taliban allow safe passage for any Americans or Afghan visa applicants who are still trying to leave Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Big Number
114,000. According to a White House official, that's the number of people who have been evacuated to Afghanistan since August 14 when Kabul was overthrown by the Taliban. According to the State Department, nearly 5,500 of those evacuatees were American citizens. There are also 250 Americans in Afghanistan who wish to leave.
After 13 US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden (2ndR), US First Lady Jill Biden and other officials attend the dignified... [+] transfer at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Delaware on August 29, 2021. Sunday's ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware was performed by President Joe Biden. It is a solemn event that takes place amid intense criticism about his handling of the Afghanistan crisis. Biden and Jill, a black-clad couple, met for the first time in private with their relatives at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The special center is located on the US East Coast, about two hours from Washington. It is renowned for the difficult return of combat veterans. (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB / AFP). (Photo taken by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images). AFP via Getty Images
As first lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony... [+] Blinken watch, President Joe Biden bows as they pay respects to the 13 servicemen who were killed in the suicide bombing attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Marine Corps carrying team transports a transfer box containing Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole... [+] Gee (23), of Sacramento, Calif. Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. As the remains of the fallen soldiers return from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden set out on Sunday for a solemn pilgrimage to remember and mourn them. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta). ASSOCIATED PRESS
