Paula Knauss-Selph, the mother of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who died during the 30-year U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, has shared her personal story about the traumatic event that occurred on August 26, 2021. The incident, which took place at the Kabul military base known as Abbey Gate, marked the largest single-day loss of American lives in the U.S. war in Afghanistan, with 13 Americans killed in the attack. The event has been a subject of national debate and has been commemorated by President Donald Trump in recent statements.
In his latest remarks, Trump reflected on the decisions made during the withdrawal and highlighted his belief in the necessity of a swift and decisive exit from the conflict. This came as President Biden continued to face criticism for the evacuation process, which has drawn mixed reactions from both supporters and critics. Knauss-Selph’s account adds a human dimension to the geopolitical discussion, underscoring the personal cost of military actions and the complex decisions that shape national security policy.