Two explosions thundered in the Kabul airport area on Thursday, killing more than ten people, including 4 US troops — and evacuation efforts were complicated days before President Joe Biden's deadline for Americans to leave Afghanistan.
Taliban sources told NBC News that at least 13 people, including children, were killed and many others were injured in the attack. The Russian Foreign Ministry named a similar death toll.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Twitter that the initial explosion outside the airport was «the result of a complex attack» that left many Americans and civilians injured.
According to three US military personnel, at least three US Marines were injured in the blast.
Kirby added that there was «at least one more explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, not far from Abbey Gate.»
While it is not yet clear who was behind the blast, two US intelligence officials said the incident could be linked to the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, ISIS-K.
The explosions took place several hours later after the United States and its allies warned of a potential terrorist attack — while thousands of people filled the airport in a desperate attempt to flee after the Taliban seizure of power.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned him n It was called “a terrifying terrorist attack.”
“My thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people as possible to a safe place as soon as possible. ”
