The Pentagon confirms that 13 U.S. service members have been killed in two explosions near the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Another 18 are injured. 90 Afghans were also killed and at least 140 others were injured. During a briefing, General Kenneth McKenzie, a commander with U.S. Central Command said:
“Two suicide bombers assessed to have been ISIS fighters detonated at the Abbey gate followed by a number of ISIS gunmen who opened fire on civilians and military forces.”
Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr.: "It's a hard day today. As you know, two suicide bombers, assessed to have been ISIS fighters, detonated…At this time, we know that 12 U.S. service members have been killed in the attack and 15 more service members have been injured." pic.twitter.com/G90tHo53sz
— CSPAN (@cspan) August 26, 2021
The majority of the service members killed are said to be Marines.
Statement on this morning's attack at #HKIA: pic.twitter.com/Qb1DIAJQJU
— Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021
One explosion took place at the main gate of the airport complex and another at a nearby hotel. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby released the following information:
We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate.
https://twitter.com/kylieatwood/status/1430919042924175365
The explosions come less than a day after the State Department issued a security alert telling Americans outside the airport to leave immediately and warning others not to travel to area. The alert was based on a “credible threat” but details were sparse. Reuters reports that the United Kingdom believed “that Islamic State militants [were] planning an imminent attack.”
.@charliecbs on Kabul explosion: "The people that were outside that airport were so desperate, they were leaving every single thing they had behind. They knew the risks…It's tragic beyond measure. They're the most desperate people, and now there are casualties among them" pic.twitter.com/BG2dQMaGSl
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 26, 2021
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