The explosions occurred a day after the US Embassy warned Americans to stay away from the Kabul airport because of “security threats.” Warning: Graphic images
Wali Sabawoon / AP
Smoke rises from an explosion outside the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021.
At least two explosions occurred outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday, the Pentagon said, resulting in a “number of US and civilian casualties.”
The first explosion at the Abbey Gate of the airpot was the “result of a complex attack,” Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said in a tweet.
At least one other explosion took place at or near the Baron Hotel which is near the Abbey Gate, Kirby said.
Kirby did not specify the number of casualties. Multiple outlets reported dozens of injured people arriving at an emergency hospital in Kabul.
BuzzFeed News; Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
The Kabul International Airport captured by Maxar Satellites on August 24, 2021
The airport has been the site of chaos, panic, and fear since the Taliban took over the country, as large crowds of Afghan families wait outside the airport in increasing desperation to escape on the last few flights out of Afghanistan.
Wakil Kohsar / AFP via Getty Images
Wounded women arrive at a hospital for treatment after two blasts outside the airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021.
The US Embassy said there were also reports of gunfire. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far.
The explosions took place a day after the US Embassy warned Americans to stay away from the airport and to avoid airport gates, citing “security threats outside the gates of Kabul airport.”
Both the British and Australian governments issued similar warnings to their citizens, saying there was an “ongoing and high threat of terrorist attack.”
“Be aware of the potential for violence and security threats with large crowds,” the Australian embassy warned its citizens. “Do not travel to Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport. If you’re in the area of the airport, move to a safe location and await further advice,” the warning said.
Wakil Kohsar / AFP via Getty Images
Medical and hospital staff bring an injured man on a stretcher for treatment after two blasts outside the airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021.
An estimated 1,500 Americans and people from other countries have also been waiting to leave the country before the US withdrawal deadline of Aug. 31, the New York Times reported.
Pentagon officials are scheduled to have a press conference Thursday afternoon.
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