Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport on Thursday which killed more than 100 people, including 13 US troops. The Islamic State group (ISIS) claimed responsibility of the Kabul airport suicide attack.
Kabul, Afghanistan, August 27 : More than 100 people were killed, including 13 US troops and over 150 were wounded when two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport. The blasts came hours after Western officials warned of a major attack, urging people to leave the airport. Near about 5,000 people were awaiting flights on the airfield.
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The Islamic State group claimed responsibility of the Kabul airport suicide attack. The IS affiliate in Afghanistan is far more radical than the Taliban, who recently took control of the country in a lightning blitz. The Taliban were not believed to have been involved in the attacks and condemned the blasts, according to AP reports.
One of the bombers struck people standing knee-deep in a wastewater canal under the sweltering sun, throwing bodies into the fetid water. The second blast was at or 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.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has vowed to “hunt” down the terrorists and make them “pay” for the deadly attacks outside the Kabul airport. “To those who carried out this attack, as well as anyone who wishes America harm notice, we will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay. I will defend our interests and our people with every measure at my command,” Biden told reporters at the White House on Thursday.
ISIS-K chief is Shahab al Muhajir, who was Mid level Commander of Haqqani earlier.
ISIS-K was founded by former members of Pakistani Taliban, Afghan Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Over time, though, the group has poached terrorist from various other groups. The Kabul operatives of IS-K are more sophisticated and almost entirely drawn from the HQN.
US Navy CNO Gilday pays tribute to soldiers killed in Kabul airport attack
US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday on Thursday (local time) paid solemn tribute to 13 American troops who were killed in the Kabul airport terror attack. “Their courage and selflessness represent the highest ideals of America. We pay solemn tribute to their sacrifice. To the families and loved ones who grieve – you are not alone,” tweeted Gilday.
Kamala Harris condemns Kabul terror attack
Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the Kabul terror attack in which 13 US service members were killed.
Doug and I grieve for the Americans we lost, we pray for the Americans injured in the attack, and our hearts go out to their loved ones. We also grieve for the Afghan civilians killed and injured.
US evacuated approx 7,500 people on Thursday before ISIS suicide attack
“Since August 14, the US has evacuated and facilitated the evacuation of approximately 100,100 people” from Afghanistan, White House says. Over a 12-hour period on Thursday, when an Islamic State suicide attack killed dozens, “approximately 7,500 people were evacuated”
Talibs denying links with ISIS is similar to denial of Pak on Quetta Shura: Amrullah Saleh
Every evidence we have in hand shows that IS-K cells have their roots in Talibs & Haqqani network particularly the ones operating in Kabul. Talibs denying links with ISIS is identical/similar to denial of Pak on Quetta Shura. Talibs hv leanred vry well from the master. #Kabul
US flag to fly at half-mast until August 30 in honour of Kabul attack victims
The US flag will be flown at half-mast until the evening of August 30 to honour the victims killed in the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan’s Kabul, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
“As a mark for respect, starting today, the United States flag will be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds… until sunset on August 30, 2021, in honour of the victims of the senseless acts of violence in Kabul,” Psaki said.
Deepest condolences to the loved ones and teammates: US Defence Secretary
“I express my deepest condolences to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and wounded in Kabul today. We will not be dissuaded from the task at hand,” US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin III
This tragedy should have never been allowed to happen: Donald Trump on Kabul terror attack
"This tragedy (explosions at Kabul airport) should have never been allowed to happen", US former president Donald Trump said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/NS3Jy6YLiu
Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the attack outside the Kabul airport. The IS branch, known as The Islamic State-Khorasan Province after a name for the region from antiquity, said in its claim of responsibility that it targeted American troops and their Afghan allies.
