UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2021
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Terrorist Attacks in Kabul
I send my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of all those killed and injured in yesterday’s attack in Kabul. We mourn and honor the U.S. servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of this mission to save others. And we grieve the deaths of so many Afghans and innocent civilians, crowded at the gates of the airport, in the hopes of reaching safety.
Earlier today, the White House announced that more than 105,000 people have been evacuated in the past two weeks. That is an extraordinary testament to our diplomats, servicemembers, and staff who have been working day and night to get people out of Afghanistan safely. There is no other team in the world capable of such an effort. As we saw yesterday, this has been and will continue to be a dangerous mission.
To everyone continuing to work around the clock, particularly those doing so in high-risk conditions: Thank you for your courage and your lifesaving work. To our allies and partners around the globe, especially those who are facilitating the transit of Americans and providing refuge to at-risk Afghans: We remain grateful for your partnership, commitment, and leadership in meeting this moment.
As President Biden said, we remain steadfast in our mission, and in doing so we will honor those who gave their lives to achieve it.
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