Burgum Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Service Members Killed in Afghanistan

(Bismarck, ND) -- The pain of those lost in the recent suicide bombing in Afghanistan is being felt thousands of miles away.

Governor Doug Burgum Friday directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Monday, August 30th, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor and remembrance of the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on Thursday in Kabul. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the brave U.S. service members and the Afghans who were killed or injured in the deadly attacks at the airport in Kabul,” said Burgum in a statement released to WDAY Radio.

The governor’s directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden.

“Our military forces have served in Afghanistan with honor and courage and continue to do so as they work to evacuate U.S. citizens and American allies from this chaotic situation," continued the North Dakota Governor, who also challenged the President to step up in this time of sorrow and uncertain. "The Biden administration needs to demonstrate leadership and do more to bring U.S. citizens home quickly and help those Afghans who have been our allies in the war on terror.”

This comes after reports Friday evening that there had been a successful attack against one leader of the terrorist grouping ISIS-K, who took responsibility for the initial bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and over 100 others outside the airport.

President Biden has repeatedly confirmed he intends to honor the August 31st deadline to leave Afghanistan, despite the threat of more terror attacks looming.