Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to Fallen Service Members in Kabul Bombing

U.S. congressional leaders honored 13 service members killed in the Kabul airport suicide bombing during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ceremony occurred amid political tensions as Republicans blamed President Biden for the withdrawal's failures while Democrats pointed to Trump's initial agreement with the Taliban.

U.S. congressional leaders on Tuesday honored 13 service members killed in the Aug. 26, 2021, Kabul airport bombing with the congressional gold medal. The attack occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Republicans and Democrats used the ceremony to exchange political barbs, just eight weeks before U.S. elections. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson led the event, emphasizing the need to memorialize the troops' ultimate sacrifice.

On Monday, House Republicans released a report criticizing President Joe Biden's administration for the withdrawal's failures. The Democrats contended that blame should partly fall on former President Donald Trump's 2020 deal with the Taliban. Trump faced criticism for filming a campaign video at Arlington National Cemetery.

(With inputs from agencies.)