New Evidence Undermines Pentagon’s Account of Kabul Airport Attack: A Deeper Look

Unveiling New Evidence

Newly surfaced video evidence has cast significant doubt on the Pentagon’s official account of the ISIS-K suicide attack that occurred outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021. This attack, which marked a tragic end to America’s longest war, resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghans who were desperately seeking refuge from the Taliban.

Pentagon’s Previous Findings

The Pentagon’s investigations, which have been ongoing for nearly two years, initially concluded that the attack was solely the result of a single explosive device. The official narrative claimed that the explosion was the primary cause of casualties, and that any reports of subsequent gunfire from U.S. troops were likely due to confusion and the effects of the blast.

The New Revelations

CNN’s latest report includes previously unseen footage captured by a Marine’s GoPro camera. This video shows a far more complex scene than previously described. According to the footage, there were at least 11 distinct episodes of gunfire occurring in the aftermath of the blast, with a minimum of 43 shots fired over a four-minute period. This is in stark contrast to the Pentagon’s claim of only three bursts of gunfire, which they asserted were merely warning shots.

An anonymous Marine, who spoke to CNN out of concern for reprisals, described the gunfire as originating from the area where U.S. Marines were stationed. The Marine suggested that the shots were not warning shots but could have been directed at the crowd.

Eyewitness and Medical Testimonies

The new evidence is corroborated by testimonies from Afghan survivors and medical personnel. Dr. Sayeed Ahmadi, director of Wazir Akhbar Khan hospital, reported treating numerous gunshot wounds, which he asserted were distinct from injuries caused by the bomb’s ball bearings. Despite these claims, the Pentagon has dismissed these reports, arguing that distinguishing between bullet and ball-bearing injuries can be challenging.

Afghan witnesses also reported seeing gunfire following the explosion. Shogofa Hamidi, whose sister was shot, described seeing people being targeted even after the blast. These accounts were supported by medical reports and statements from other survivors.

The Pentagon’s Response

In response to the new footage and testimonies, the Pentagon has maintained its stance, stating that the supplemental review, conducted in September 2023, did not find any new evidence impacting the original conclusions. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Rob Lodewick asserted that the investigations were thorough and that the review reaffirmed the initial findings.

Continuing Controversies

The new evidence and eyewitness accounts continue to challenge the Pentagon’s narrative, leading to calls for further investigation. The discrepancies between the official reports and the emerging evidence highlight ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in military operations.

Conclusion

The revelations from CNN’s latest report underscore the need for a comprehensive and transparent review of the Kabul airport attack. As the world reflects on the tragic events of August 26, 2021, these new insights provide a crucial perspective on the complexities and challenges faced during the chaotic final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

For more details, visit CNN.