Two explosions outside Kabul’s international airport caused at least 13 deaths and dozens of wounded, including some Americans, less than a week before U.S. forces are due to depart.
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“Our initial reports say 13 Afghans killed and 52 others were wounded, and the casualties could increase,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said by phone.
“A number of US & civilian casualties” were caused by one blast outside the Abbey Gate used by people seeking to flee Afghanistan, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
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Kirby called the blast outside the Abbey Gate a “complex attack,” without providing details. It came after U.S. and NATO officials warned their citizens to avoid heading toward the airport. A U.S. official said flights departing Kabul have been temporarily halted.
The Taliban blamed the U.S., which is directing a military-led evacuation from Kabul, for drawing large crowds to the airport perimeter. Mujahed said an investigation into who was behind the attack is continuing, though many analysts said an offshoot of Islamic State — an enemy of both the Taliban and the U.S. — could be to blame.
“We strongly condemn this lethal attack which happened at an area of Kabul airport which is under the control of Americans,” Mujahed said. “They are responsible for the security of the area.”
Source: .bloomberg.com
