Five Years On, Kabul Airport Attack Still Shadows U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Wednesday, the fourth of Sonbula, marks five years since the deadly attack near the gate of Kabul International Airport, an incident that took place in the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and continues to raise criticism and questions about how Washington withdrew from the country.

The explosion occurred on Aug. 26, 2021, near Kabul International Airport, killing more than 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. soldiers.

The attack came as the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan was nearing its end, while large crowds continued to gather around Kabul airport.

Five years after the attack, the handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan still faces persistent criticism and questions in the United States. At the time, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Kabul International Airport became one of the main routes for thousands of people leaving Afghanistan in August 2021, a period marked by widespread chaos and severe security concerns.