WASHINGTON — More than 150 were injured, and at least 90 people died in the twin bomb blasts outside Afghanistan’s Kabul airport.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has issued a security alert after explosions were reported in the capital city of Afghanistan amid last bid evacuations efforts.
“U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates at this time,” said the U.S. Embassy in Kabul in their statement.
U.S. citizens who are at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately.”
Earlier on Aug. 26, the Pentagon confirmed two explosions in Kabul. The first blast was reported at the Abbey Gate in Kabul airport, while the second one was near the Baron Hotel, which is not too far away from the first location.
Warning (Graphic scenes): Footage of the aftermath of the #KabulBlast. 10 American troops (@foxnews) and at least 60 Afghans (@wsj) were killed in the explosion. Commander-in-Chief Biden appears to be cluelesspic.twitter.com/7qEIu6x2yd
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) August 26, 2021
“We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in several U.S. & civilian casualties,” said John Kirby, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs of the U.S., in a tweet.
“We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.”
“Event: EXPLOSION AT THE ABBEY GATE OF KABUL AIRPORT, REPORTS OF GUNFIRE,” said the U.S. embassy.
“There has been a large explosion at the airport, and there are reports of gunfire. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates at this time. U.S. citizens who are at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately.”
Back in Washington, US President Joe Biden met with top officials of his administration as two explosions were reported in Kabul. Biden met with his national security team this morning, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Mark Milley, and commanders on the ground.
“We grieve the loss of Afghans gathered near the airport hoping for a chance to start a new life elsewhere,” said Blinken in a press statement.
“We honor the more than 2,300 U.S. service members who have died in Afghanistan since 2001, the more than 20,000 who have been wounded, and the more than 800,000 who have served in America’s longest war, as well as other Americans killed or wounded in the conflict.”
“We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of U.S. & civilian casualties,” said John Kirby, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs of the U.S., in a tweet.
“We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.”
Meanwhile, the Taliban has condemned the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport after reports suggested that an ISIS suicide bomber was responsible for the explosion outside the Kabul airport.
“The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where U.S. forces are responsible for security,” said the Taliban.
“The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped.”
“Strongly condemn the cowardly attacks at Kabul airport against people longing for safety,” said Josep Borell Fontelles, High Representative of the E.U. for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a tweet.
“The European Union stands in solidarity with the Afghan citizens. We will continue fighting terrorism together with international partners.”
(With inputs from ANI)
Edited by Saptak Datta and Ritaban Misra
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