At least 12 U.S. service members were killed when a series of explosions ripped through Kabul, Afghanistan, near the city’s airport – 11 Marines and one Navy medic, according to reports.
“At least 10 US Service members killed, dozens of Americans wounded in a suicide bomb attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul this morning. The death toll of US service members likely to rise: US officials,” Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin tweeted.
At least 10 US Service members killed, dozens of Americans wounded in suicide bomb attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul this morning. Death toll of US service members likely to rise: US officials.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) August 26, 2021
Two blasts ripped through Kabul on Thursday, killing dozens of people and injuring dozens more as hundreds of Afghans and others flocked to the Hamid Karzai International Airport. According to a previous report from The Wall Street Journal, four US Marines were killed and numerous others were injured in the bombings.
The bombs occurred close outside the airport on Thursday, as masses of people sought evacuation from the predominantly Taliban-controlled country. One suicide bomber from ISIS reportedly struck one of the airport’s main gates, the Abbey Gate. Another explosion occurred right outside Kabul’s Baron Hotel, which served as a gathering spot for Americans awaiting evacuation.
The actual number of injuries is unknown, however, early indications indicate that over a dozen people were killed and dozens more were injured. The strikes occurred hours after many NATO member countries ceased evacuation procedures in anticipation of a terror attack. Thousands of people seeking assistance have gathered outside the airport’s perimeter in recent weeks. Taliban roadblocks have prevented the majority from passing.
Hundreds of ISIS-K members are reportedly still present in and around Kabul, fueling fears of additional strikes. According to Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, a source briefed on the situation in Kabul revealed Thursday morning that “hundreds of ISIS-K” fighters are in the “vicinity” of the airport, warning that “attacks are likely to continue.”
US officials have issued security advisories in response to reports of ISIS-K militants. The US embassy in Afghanistan issued a notice Wednesday telling Americans still in the country to avoid the airport.
“Because of security threats outside the gates of Kabul airport, we are advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates at this time unless you receive individual instructions from a U.S. government representative to do so,” the alert said.
The bombings came as US forces in Afghanistan prepare to withdraw within days. President Joe Biden said earlier this week that he would adhere to his self-imposed withdrawal deadline of August 31. Biden’s decision defied pressure from US allies and Congress to extend the deadline until evacuations could be completed.
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