Kabul blasts: 60 dead, over 100 injured, say reports; US suspects ISIS hand

KABUL EXPLOSIONS: At least 60 Afghans and four U.S. Marines were killed while over 100 suffered injuries in twin explosions near Kabul airport on Thursday, according to the Wall Street Journal. The initial blast was reported near Abbey Gate of the airport while the second explosion occurred near Baron hotel where many people, including Afghans, Britons and Americans, were told to gather in recent days before heading to the airport for evacuation. According to latest inputs, one of the attackers blew himself up in an apparent fidayeen attack while another opened fire at the crowd outside the airport. Several U.S Marines were killed and a number of other American military were wounded, a U.S. official said.

The complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group, a U.S. official said. The bombings came hours after Western officials warned of a major attack, urging people to leave the airport. However, the advice went largely unheeded by Afghans desperate to escape the country in the last few days of an American-led evacuation before the U.S. officially ends its 20-year presence on Aug. 31.

In a sharp response, India condemned the bombings and said that the attacks "reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists."

KABUL ATTACK: AS IT HAPPENED

• US Embassy in Kabul issued a security alert telling the American citizens to "avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates," following two explosions outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday.

• United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the terrorist attack at the Kabul airport "The incident underscores the volatility of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan. But also strengthens our resolve as we continue to deliver urgent assistance across the country in support of the Afghan people,” UN Secretary General Antonio added in the statement.

• "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of victims of this terrorist attack. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism & all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists": MEA
• Another blast rocks Kabul, explosion heard near airport
• At least 60 Afghans and four U.S. Marines killed in explosions at Kabul airport: Wall Street Journal
• There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts, but US officials pointed the finger at Islamic State's Afghan affiliate, ISIS-Khorosan, which has emerged as enemies of both the West and of the Taliban: Reuters
• Four US Marines were among those killed in the explosions at Kabul airport, and three were wounded, the U.S. ambassador told staff, an official said: The Wall Street Journal
• Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby: "We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured."
• Several US Marines killed in Afghanistan blast, a number of US military members wounded: AP
• Taliban 'condemn' bombing outside Kabul airport, say it happened in area controlled by US forces
• United Nations have called an emergency meeting after two explosions rocked Kabul airport.
• According to NewYork Times, 40 people have died while 120 suffered injuries. 
• According to reports, 70 people have suffered injuries in the attacks. 
• "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack at Kabul Airport which killed and wounded a large number of the civilians. My thought and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time."- Abdullah Abdullah

• No British casualties from Kabul attack, UK government says. "More than 30 patients have arrived at our Kabul Surgical Centre so far. 6 others already dead on arrival. We have activated all mass casualty protocols."

• Pentagon to shortly address press conference on emerging situation in Kabul
• All Indians are said to be safe, reports say
• More than 30 patients have arrived at our Kabul Surgical Centre so far. 6 others already dead on arrival. We have activated all mass casualty protocols.
• Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that 52 people had been wounded in two explosions near Kabul airport. He added that the blast also caused casualties, but exact figures are not available: Tolo news
• US official says attack outside Kabul airport is 'definitely believed to be' carried out by the Islamic State group: AP reports
• French ambassador to leave Afghanistan, work from Paris. France will try to evacuate 'several hundred' more Afghans from Kabul: AFP News Agency quotes French President Emmanuel Macron
• US President Joe Biden is in the Situation Room for a scheduled meeting on Afghanistan with his top national security officials.
• As per news agency AP, An Afghan man said he saw several people who appeared to be killed or wounded in an explosion among crowds waiting outside one of the gates to Kabul airport. Adam Khan said some people appeared to be missing body parts. He said he was about 30 meters (yards) from the blast. 
• Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby: "We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US and civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update."

• According to an Afghan journalist, a sewage canal was vetted with Afghans, including women and children, who were waiting for their documents. 
• A suspected suicide bomb exploded outside Kabul airport, killing at least 13 people including children, a Taliban official said, after the United States and allies urged Afghans to leave the area because of a threat by Islamic State: Reuters 
• Foreign nationals and children are among those who died in the blasts, reports suggest. 
• ​We can confirm that the explosion near the Abbey Gate of the Kabul airport has resulted in an unknown number of casualties.  We will continue to update: Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby

• Another explosion reported in Kabul, near Baron hotel. 
• Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed the explosion near the airport. However, he said that the casualties were not yet clear. 
• "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport.  Casualties are unclear at this time.  We will provide additional details when we can," Kirby said in a tweet. 

• The horrific explosion comes after the Western nations warned of a possible attack on Kabul’s airport in the waning days of a massive airlift, as thousands of Afghans desperate to flee Taliban rule continued to flock to the gates. Several countries urged people to avoid the airport, where an official said there was a threat of a suicide bombing.

• The airport, over the last week, has witnessed some of the most searing images of the chaotic end of America’s longest war and the Taliban’s takeover, as flight after flight took off carrying those who fear a return to the militants’ brutal rule.

• Early Thursday, British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told the BBC that there was ”very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport, possibly within “hours.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country had received information from the U.S. and other countries about the “threat of suicide attacks on the mass of people.”
• Late Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy had also warned citizens at three airport gates to leave immediately due to an unspecified security threat. Australia, Britain and New Zealand also advised their citizens Thursday not to venture out to the airport, with Australia’s foreign minister saying there was a “very high threat of a terrorist attack.”

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