Politics & Government
Lawrence Marine Among Those Killed In Afghanistan Terror Attack
Johanny Rosario, 25, was among the 13 American service members killed in Thursday's blast in Kabul, the Department of Defense confirmed.
LAWRENCE, MA — A U.S. Marine from Lawrence was among those killed in Thursday's terror attack in Afghanistan that took the life of 13 American service members and more than 160 Afghans near the Kabul airport.
Sgt. Johanny Rosario graduated from Lawrence High School. She was 25.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Rosario was among those killed on Saturday.
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"It is with extremely heavy hearts that we learned several Marines and other service members were killed and wounded in the Kabul attacks (Thursday)," Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they are notified of this devastating loss.
"These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss. As we mourn, we also keep those who are still over there protecting Americans and our Afghan partners at the forefront of our thoughts. Our Marines will continue the mission, carrying on our Corps’ legacy of always standing ready to meet the challenges of every extraordinary task our Nation requires of her Marines."
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Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario, 25, of Lawrence. She was among the brave 13 servicemen and women killed in Thursday's bombing attack in Kabul in Afghanistan. We hold Sgt. Rosario and her family in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/gj9Yl5ZOJ3
— Essex County Sheriff's Department (@EssexSheriff) August 28, 2021
Rosario and a dozen other American troops were killed when a car bomb exploded outside of the airport where military forces had helped more than 100,000 American and Afghan citizens flee the country after it fell under Taliban control two weeks ago. The mission was scheduled to last until Aug. 31.
The terror group ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.
Friday night, the Biden administration said a military airstrike inside Afghanistan killed one of the planners of the airport suicide bombing.
Thursday's bombing was the single deadliest day for American troops serving in the country since 2011.
"I am continually humbled by the courage and warrior spirit exhibited every day by Marines across the globe," Berger said. "The sacrifices Marines make on behalf of freedom must never go unnoticed or unappreciated.
"I ask that you keep these Marines and service members, and especially their families, in your thoughts and prayers."
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