As quoted by an Afghan health official, 60 civilians were killed in a devastating attack near Kabul airport on Thursday (August 26). It has also been reported that at least 140 people were injured in the attack which took place near the gates at the airport. Two explosions, a result of suicide bombing, and gunfire were reported. These happened during a time when countries are trying to evacuate their people from Afghanistan by August 31 (the withdrawal deadline set by U.S. President Joe Biden).

ISIS-K has reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombings on its Amaq news channel. In response, U.S. President Joe Biden said, “These ISIS terrorists will not win. We will rescue the Americans. We will get our Afghan allies out. And our mission will go on,”. Of the reported number of casualties, 13 of them were US service members who were part of the evacuation efforts to get people out of Afghanistan safely. Biden has vowed to “hunt down” the ones who are responsible for the attacks.

In regards to whether such attacks would possibly continue in the coming days, General Frank McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, has said “We believe it is their desire to continue these attacks and we expect those attacks to continue – and we’re doing everything we can to be prepared.” The Taliban have denied any role in the attacks and have condemned the attacks. They are said to be coordinating with McKenzie in terms of airport security amidst these terrorist attacks. Evacuation efforts will continue in the days leading up to August 31, reportedly there is still an estimate of 1,000 U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

In light of the attacks and threats of more oncoming, there are already countries who have ceased evacuation efforts and are withdrawing their troops from Afghanistan.

Click here to watch U.S. President Joe Biden remarks on the Kabul attacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvEzqdmHsbI