President Donald Trump released a statement on Thursday offering his condolences following twin bomb attacks targeting American troops in Kabul that left at least 12 U.S. troops dead and 15 injured.
“Melania and I send our deepest condolences to the families of our brilliant and brave Service Members whose duty is to the U.S.A. meant so much to them,” said Trump. “Our thoughts are also with the families of the innocent civilians who died today in the savage Kabul attack.”
Trump continued, “This tragedy should never have been allowed to happen, which makes our grief even deeper and more difficult to understand.”
“May God Bless the U.S.A.,” he concluded.
According to the Pentagon, the death toll is expected to rise following a third bombing near the Kabul airport. The deaths of 11 U.S. Marines and one Navy medic have been confirmed by the Pentagon.
ISIS militants have taken responsibility for setting off at least three bombs outside Kabul’s airport where thousands of Afghans and American civilians have been traveling to flee Afghanistan.
Joe Biden, who has remained silent following the bombings, is expected to address the nation from the White House at 5 p.m. ET.