Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Marking Three Years Since the Attack at Abbey Gate

Today marks three years since we lost 13 American heroes in the cruel terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. Approximately 170 Afghan civilians were also murdered in that attack.

We will never forget these 13 brave Americans - 11 Marines, a Soldier, and a Sailor - who lost their lives defending their teammates and helping to save tens of thousands of Afghans seeking freedom and the opportunity for a better life.

Another year has passed, but our gratitude will never wane. My thoughts are with our fallen troops and their families on this somber day - and with the families of all those whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice during America's two decades of war in Afghanistan.