The announcement marks the largest batch of awards to date for the airmen who participated in Operation Allies Refuge. Nearly 90% say the United States must do more to honor its promises to protect Afghans who worked closely with U.S. military forces. Only one of the 13 troops killed has received the honor since the 2021 terrorist attack. Gen. Frank McKenzie pushed back on reports that U.S. forces had clear intelligence about the Afghan bomber who killed 13 U.S. troops in August 2021. A report released by the State Department’s Inspector General outlines numerous steps the department has taken to speed up visa processing. The groups most targeted by the Taliban have been former army, police and intelligence forces, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Advocates worry that Congress may never pass reforms needed to help Afghan allies safely escape the Taliban and resettle in America. The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021, as U.S and NATO forces withdrew from the country after more than two decades of war. When the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan in August 2021, it carried tens of thousands of Afghans to safety. Many are still waiting to be resettled. The group expects to add its 200,000th member later this year, which is the organization's 20th anniversary. Load More