A NUMBER of US soldiers are reported to have been among those injured in two explosions suspected to be a suicide bomb attack outside Kabul airport.
An explosion was reported minutes ago at the Abbey Gate area of Kabul airport, where British troops are stationed to evacuate British citizens, refugees and eligible Afghan citizens, and one of three gates which were closed for security reasons following 'credible' terrorist threats today.
Now a second explosion has been confirmed at a separate area close to the airport, close by Barons Hotel where thousands have gathered in recent days in an attempt to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Sky News reports that a UK defence source has confirmed the second explosion, and no UK military casualties have been reported as of yet.
US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed the Abbey Gate explosion had "resulted in an unknown number of casualties".
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.
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021
Up to three US soldiers may have been injured in the blasts, Reuters news agency reports, however a US official has warned the initial number of casualties are expected to increase.
A Taliban official also told the outlet that the first reported explosion has killed at least 13 people, including children, and wounded "many Taliban guards".
US President Biden, who oversaw the removal of US troops from Afghanistan leading to the downfall of the government and takeover by the Taliban, has been briefed on the explosion; an emergency meeting is currently underway.
Sky News reports that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also been briefed on the situation and will call an emergency COBRA meeting this evening.
Reports indicate that at least one explosion was caused by a suicide bomber.
Foreign embassies, including Britain, the US and Australia, earlier today warned their citizens to stay away from the airport following "credible" reports of a planned attack by ISIS-K, the Afghan branch of the Islamic State and a sworn enemy of the Taliban, whom they believe to be too 'soft' in their ideals.
The UK Foreign Office issued an emergency alert to UK nationals in Afghanistan warning of an "ongoing and high threat of terrorist attack. Do not travel to Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport. If you are in the area of the airport, move away to a safe location and await further advice."
Due to the Taliban takeover of the country, the US, UK and others no longer have their own security in Afghanistan and are relying on the Taliban to assist them in evacuating their citizens and other eligible Afghan nationals.
