[EpochTimesAugust292021](Reported by English Epoch Times reporter Allen Zhong / compiled by Takasugi) The US Department of Defense announced on Saturday (August 28) that the victims were killed in a terrorist bombing in Afghanistan. The identity of all U.S. military officers and soldiers.
Later on Thursday (August 26th) local time, in Kabul, Afghanistan, a suicide bomber was on the east gate and south of the U.S.-controlled Hamid Karzai International Airport. There was an explosion on the crowded pedestrian passage of Abbey gate in the middle of the door. Pentagon officials said that 11 marines, a naval medic and a U.S. Army soldier were killed in the suicide bombing. In addition, at least 18 soldiers were injured.
This is the first time that the US military has been killed in a war in Afghanistan since February 2020.
The terrorist organization ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and boasted that the suicide bombers “successfully penetrated all security fortifications set up by the U.S. military and the Taliban.”
The organization said in a statement that the ISIS terrorists “managed to get close to a place where a large number of translators and collaborators with the U.S. military gathered, and then he detonated his explosive belt.” The statement stated that the attackers approached the east gate of the airport less than 5 meters away from the US military. The Pentagon said another explosion hit a nearby hotel.
US President Joe Biden (Joe Biden) stated on Thursday (August 26) that the United States will crack down on ISIS in retaliation for these bombings.
According to the US Central Command, the US military used drones to kill a member of the ISIS-K terrorist organization in Afghanistan early on Saturday local time.
Central Command spokesman Capt. Bill Urban said in a statement that the U.S. military “conducted an over-the-horizon counter-terrorism operation against an ISIS-K mastermind today.”
The Pentagon announced the names of the 13 soldiers killed in the suicide bombing, but did not disclose their detailed backgrounds. The Epoch Times contacted the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army for more information.
The following is a briefing on the American soldiers killed in the terrorist bomb attack in Kabul:
David L. Espinoza, 20 years old, Texas
David L. Espinoza, First Class Marine, is a Marine from Laredo. He joined the army after graduating from high school and was regarded as a hero by his mother.
His mother, Elizabeth Holguin, said in an interview with the Laredo Morning Times: “He just has enough courage to do what he wants to do, to help others. He is Such a person is the best.”
Espinosa’s death was confirmed earlier by Representative Henry Cuellar, Republican of Texas. The congressman’s press secretary, Dana Youngentob, said that Pentagon representatives visited Cuellar’s office in Washington and informed him of Espinosa’s death. Cuellar’s office also received an official death notice from the Pentagon.
Cuellar said in a statement that Espinosa “embodies American values: courage, dedication, service, and bravery. He joined the army after graduating from high school to protect our country, and his service behavior also Demonstrated selflessness”.
Cuellar concluded: “The brave will live forever! Mr. Espinosa is a hero.”
Nicole L. Gee, 23 years old, California
Marine Sergeant Nicole L. Gee is a native of Sacramento, California. On August 21, five days before the terrorist attack, Ji posted a photo on an Instagram account that clearly belonged to her, in which she was holding a baby. She wrote: “I love my job.”
In another post on Instagram—and the last post before her death—the photo shows her helping Afghans to be evacuated to the plane.
Darin T. Hoover, 31 years old, Utah
Darin Hoover Sr., the father of the U.S. Marine Corps sergeant Darin t. Hoover (Darin t. Hoover), revealed that he has served in the Marine Corps for 11 years. A hero who sacrificed to serve others.
Old Darling Hoover, who lives on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, said: “He is a hero. He gave his life to protect those who could not protect himself, doing what he loves to serve the country. Thing.”
He said he received letters from Marines all day long. They said they were grateful to have his son as their sergeant.
Old Dallin Hoover said: “They looked back at him and said that they had learned a lot from him. They said he was a great leader.”
His father said that his son is also the best friend of his two sisters, and he loves his own big family. His father said that he has a girlfriend in California. He is the kind of person who “lights up the whole room” as soon as he comes in.
Nate Thompson from Murray, Utah, first met Hoover when they were in the Junior Football League when they were 10 years old. They have been friends in high school, where Hoover served as a forward. Thompson said that his figure is not suitable for this position, but his enthusiasm and hard work are enough to make up for his inherent shortcomings. As a friend, he is selfless and kind.
He said: “If we have trouble with school, family or on the court, we will always call Hoover. He is always cool-headed, even if he is in a struggling predicament.”
Ryan C. Knauss, 23 years old, Tennessee
In an interview with WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, his family said that Army Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss is an energetic person in people’s memory. He loves his country and looks forward to returning to the United States and eventually moving to Washington.
Knauss’ grandfather, Wayne Knauss, told the TV station that his family had received news of Knaus’s death on Friday and that the funeral was under preparation. Knaus said his grandson attended Gibbs High School and grew up in a Christian family.
Wayne Knaus said: “He is a motivated young man who loves his country. He is a believer, so we will see him again in God’s heaven.”
Stepmother Linnae Knauss said that Ryan originally planned to move to Washington after returning to the United States.
She said: “He is a super smart, super humorous young man.”
Hunter Lopez, 22 years old, California;
The parents of Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez (Hunter Lopez) worked in the Sheriff’s Department of Riverside County in Southern California. Sheriff Chad Bianco revealed that before joining the Marine Corps in September 2017, he participated in the “Sheriff Explorer” vocational education program for three years.
He said Lopez intends to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become the deputy sheriff of Riverside County after he retires.
Dylan R. Merola, 20 years old, California
Marine Corps Corporal Dylan R. Merola (Dylan R. Merola) is a native of Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Cucamonga, also known as Rancho Cucamonga), California.
Dylan likes to set up the stage and do theater technical work at Los Osos High School in Chucucamonga. He is the kind of person who is always around his friends and likes to go out to eat with his family. They will hike, fish, kayak, and always spend time together. Merola’s uncle said in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles: “We will always miss him.”
Rylee J. McCollum, 20 years old, Wyoming
First Class Marine Rylee J. McCollum (Rylee J. McCollum) is a Marine in Bondurant, Wyoming. His sister Cheyenne McCollum said that he is married and his wife will have children in three weeks.
McCollum said: “During his lifetime, he was very happy to be a father, and he will be a great father.” She said that her brother “before he knew he could become a Marine, he was a A Marine-he will carry his toy rifle with him and wear his sister’s pink princess snow boots. He will either play hunting or be a Marine.”
McCollum said that her brother thought about becoming a history teacher and wrestling coach once he finished serving the country. Another sister, Roice McCollum, told the Casper Star Tribune that her brother was on his first deployment mission when he began to evacuate in Afghanistan.
Cheyenne McCollum said: “We want people to know that they are sacrificing themselves. He has a family who loves him, a wife who loves him, and a child he will never see.”
Regi Stone is the father of a friend of Rylee McCollum. He described McCollum as “a good boy”, tough, smart, and brave. Stone shared a letter from his wife Kim to their son Eli Stone. Eli is also in the army and is deployed elsewhere. In the letter, Jin wrote that she remembered telling the friends that if they had to rush in first, they would run to the other side. Both of them said: “If we die like this (during the service), we will be the ones we love the most. Died in his career.”
Kareem M. Nikoui, 20 years old, California
Marine Corps First Class Kareem M. Nikoui (Kareem M. Nikoui), from Norco, California. A few hours before his death, he sent a video of himself to his family, which showed his interaction with Afghan children. In one of the videos, he greeted a little boy.
Nick Wei said to the little boy, “Want to make a video together, man?” He bent down and took a video of himself and the boy. Then said, “Well, we are heroes now, man.”
A close friend of his family, Paul Arreola (Paul Arreola) said the videos show “the love of this young man, the love he has.”
He said: “His family is heartbroken.” Areola described Nicovi as a hopeful “amazing young man”. He always wanted to become a Marine and set out to achieve his goals. He left his parents and three siblings.
He cried and said: “He loves this country and everything we represent. It’s just hard to imagine that we have lost him.”
Nick Wei served in the National Junior Reserve Officer Training Camp (JROTC). The Norco High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Camp posted on Facebook that he is “one of the best JROTC students in our Air Force. Karim is determined to become a Marine. Always wanted to serve the country.”
The Norco government posted on social media on Friday that Nick Wei’s name will be inscribed on a memorial wall in the city.
Daegan W. Page, 23 years old, Nebraska
Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page served in the Second Battalion, First Regiment of the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. His family said in a statement that he plans to enter a trade school after the end of his service and may become a lineman.
Page grew up in Red Oak, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska, and joined the Marine after graduating from Millard South High School. Clan. His family said in a statement issued by family friends that his girlfriend, parents, stepmother, stepfather, four siblings and grandparents all mourned for him. The statement said that the family members do not currently want to be interviewed by the media.
The statement said: “Duggan will always be remembered for his strong performance and great heart. Our heart is broken, but we are grateful to the friends and family who have surrounded us during this time. We are also to other marines. The team and the navy family members expressed their condolences, and their relatives died together with Dagan.”
Johnny Rosariopichardo (Johanny Rosariopichardo), 25 years old, Massachusetts
According to “Boston 25 News”, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosariopichardo (Johanny Rosariopichardo) is a native of Lawrence, Massachusetts and graduated from Lawrence High School. ).
Jonathan Guzman, a member of the Lawrence School Committee, said Rosario Picardo is “a kind person with a gentle heart.”
Guzman wrote on Facebook: “Seeing a classmate, a friend, an LHS alumnus, a young lady, a proud Lawrence man, a kind person, being taken from the hands of hatred I feel so sad that this world has been taken away!” “Johnny Rosario, your city will be proud of you! This is a promise! Thank you for your patriotic service! In this unpopular incident, I express my deep sympathy to your family and the 12 other soldiers who died in Afghanistan.”
Humberto A. Sanchez, Indiana
According to wwt news, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez from Logansport graduated from Logansport High School.
Mayor Chris Martin and Logansport Community School Corporation confirmed his death on Facebook on Friday, but Martin did not reveal Sanchez’s name at the time.
Logansport Community School Company wrote on Facebook: “Our company expresses condolences to the death of U.S. Marine Corps Humberto Sanchez. Sanchez is a graduate of Logansport High School… I express my deepest condolences to the entire Cass County community.”
Martin wrote on Facebook: “What’s even more heartbreaking is that today I learned that one of the victims was in Logansport’s home. This young man was not even 30 years old. Originally, his entire Life is still ahead. In order to protect the lives of others, he puts himself in danger. This shows a sincere heart, and all his life plans after retirement have also made sacrifices for this.”
Jared M. Schmitz, 20 years old, Missouri
Marine Corps First Class Jared M. Schmitz (Jared M. Schmitz) grew up in the St. Louis area. His father, Mark Schmitz (Mark Schmitz) told KMOX radio that he was one of the Marines sent back to Afghanistan to assist in the evacuation work.
Mark Schmitz said his son has always wanted to be a Marine. He said he learned of the death of his son when the Marines arrived at his home in Wentzville at 2:40 am on Friday.
Schmitz said of his son: “This is what he has always wanted to do. I have never seen a young man who trains as hard as he does to become the best soldier possible. His life is of great significance. I am so distraught and beyond words, I can no longer see what kind of person he will grow into.”
Maxton W. Soviak, 22 years old, Ohio
Maxton W. Soviak, a member of the US Naval Hospital from Berlin Heights, Ohio, is a graduate of Edison High School.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Democrat of Ohio, said in a statement: “Our country mourns the death of Maxton Soviak, a naval medic who faced unfathomable danger. The extraordinary courage shown has ensured the safe passage of countless civilians. We will never be able to repay what we owe him, but we will always be grateful for his willingness to serve the country when the United States needs him most. During this time, our The heart is with his family, and we pray for them, hoping that they can find comfort in the memory of him.”
Thomas C. Roth, the head of Edison High School, said that Maxton is respected and loved by everyone who knows him.
He wrote in a letter obtained by Action News: “Everything Maxton does is full of vitality. Our schools and local communities are mourning the loss of Maxton. We are mourning the loss of Maxton. His family prayed.”
Editor in charge: Li Yuan#
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