13 U.S. Service Members Killed, 18 Injured In Kabul Explosions

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.”

The majority of the service members killed are said to be Marines.  

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.”

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