Bombings kill 60 Afghans and 13 US troops in Kabul

Bombings kill 60 Afghans and 13 US troops in Kabul

Two Explosions rocked the Kabul airport on Thursday, killing dozens of people, including US troops, and evacuation efforts were complicated days before President Joe Biden's deadline for Americans to leave Afghanistan.

Initially, Taliban sources told NBC News that at least 13 people, including children, were killed and many more were injured in the attack. Later, the Afghan Ministry of Health reported that 60 Afghans were killed in the explosions, and another 140 were injured. 13 US troops were also killed, while 14 were injured to varying degrees.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Twitter that the initial explosion outside the airport was «the result of a complex attack» that injured many Americans and civilians.

At least three US Marines were injured in the explosion, according to three US military personnel.
Kirby added that there was «at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel near Abbey Gate.»

While it is not yet clear who was behind the explosion, two US intelligence officials said the incident could be linked to the Islamic State's Afghan arm, ISIS-K.

The bombings came just hours after the United States and its allies warned of a potential terrorist attack — as thousands filled the airport in a desperate attempt to flee after the Taliban took over.

A General Secret NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg denounced what he called a «horrific terrorist attack.»

My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people as possible to safety as soon as possible.”

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