US Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews Shares Emotional Testimony of Deadly Terrorist Attack at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate

On Wednesday, US Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews, 25, offered emotional and detailed testimony of the days leading up to the deadly terrorist attack at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate in August 2021. The attack took the lives of 13 US service members and more than 100 Afghans. Vargas-Andrews was nearly killed in the bombing, and his testimony was part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Vargas-Andrews recalled the moment of the attack, saying, “I’m thrown 4 feet onto the ground but instantly knew what had happened. My abdomen had been ripped open, every inch of my exposed body except for my face took ball bearings and shrapnel.” He continued, “And my body was catastrophically wounded with 100 to 150 ball bearings now in it. I opened my eyes to Marines dead or unconscious lying around me.”

Vargas-Andrews’ testimony was part of the first hearing on the subject since Republicans won back the majority. The hearing was intended to provide insight into the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Vargas-Andrews’ testimony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by US service members in Afghanistan. His story of survival and resilience was a testament to the courage and bravery of those who serve in the US military. The House Foreign Affairs Committee will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the withdrawal from Afghanistan.