DeWine orders Ohio flags lowered to half-staff to honor victims of Kabul airport attack

COLUMBUS — Flags will be lowered to half-staff across the State of Ohio to honor the victims killed and injured in Thursday’s attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, according to an order issued by Gov. Mike DeWine Friday morning.

>>Live Updates: Kabul attack: US service member death toll rises to 13

All U.S. and Ohio flags at public buildings and grounds have been ordered to fly at half-staff through at least sunset of August 30, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said in the media release.

At least 13 U.S. service members including 10 Marines and a Navy sailor were killed in a pair of suicide bombings at the Kabul airport Thursday, as thousands of people continue to try to flee the county amid the Taliban takeover.

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The attack also injured at least 18 U.S. service members and killed at least 95 Afghans.

“I have heard the very sad news coming out of Afghanistan today and want to express on behalf of all Ohioans our deepest sympathy to the service men and women and the families of the injured and those who have lost their lives. This is a terrible tragedy,” DeWine said in a statement Thursday after news of the attacks broke.

“Over the last few days, as we have watched the very sad and disturbing news out of Afghanistan, I have been thinking about the mothers and fathers and spouses of those who lost their lives and how those families must feel.  I have also thought about and talked to several of those who served and those who were wounded.  To those families and to the veterans, I want to say thank you. We owe you a lot,” DeWine said.

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