REMARKS AS PREPARED BY DEPUTY SECRETARY ASHTON B. CARTER AT THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE IN HERAT, AFGHANISTAN
September 14, 2013

Good afternoon! I’m here in Afghanistan for a few reasons: First and foremost, to thank you for all that you do. Second, to see what you need, and to make sure that those of us back at the Pentagon are working to ensure you get it. And third, to speak with Afghan military and civilian leadership about how we’re supporting them as they secure their country.

Now the individuals that attacked here yesterday did what they did because they wanted to get headlines. They are getting headlines, and certainly the impression from what I’ve seen here is that the headline they’re getting is that they got defeated.

They were defeated in just a few minutes. And not only were they defeated, but there was an overwhelming and incredibly confident American, Afghan, and Coalition response – which included you – ready to deal with the situation.

We are grateful that you arrived when you did. Secretary Hagel and I were getting updates as the situation unfolded and we were incredibly impressed. You should be very proud. I hope that when you call home tonight, and speak with your spouse, or parents, or kids, you tell them that I thanked you for what you did, since I know they stand behind you. Thank you, and well done.

View the following for photos from the consulate visit: