Thursday, 26 August 2021 (YJC)_ Two explosions rocked areas near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday.
Two explosions rocked areas near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday.
The first explosion, which took place near the airport's eastern gate, was attributed to a suicide bomber, and local media say a firefight took place involving unknkown militants and US-led coalition forces tasked with guarding the airport amid the continued evacuation of troops, diplomats and civilians.
A second explosion hit near a hotel situated near the airport and used by British and US forces. Reporters citing unnamed State Department officials said that 'four or more' US troops have been wounded.
Separately, a Taliban official has said that 13 people had been killed, including children. Over a dozen injuries were also reported.
Sources on the ground estimate that over 70 people may have been injured in the twin attacks.
In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said "several" Taliban fighters guarding the airport were injured in one of the blasts. "We categorically condemn what happened," Mujahid said, his remarks quoted by Lebanon's Al-Mayadin TV.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby has confirmed via Twitter that two explosions took place, and said the "complex attack" caused an unspecified number of "US and civilian casualties."
A US official source told media that casualties are expected to increase based on initial information. Graphic footage circulating online shows what seems like dozens of fatalities.
An informed source told CNN that President Joe Biden has been made aware of the incident.
Turkey's Defence Ministry confirmed the explosions, and indicated that Turkish forces were not affected.
Unauthenticated photos from the scene show blood-soaked civilians being led out of the affected area near the airport and hotel.
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