12 US troops, 60 Afghans killed in Kabul airport attack (updated)

Many casualties were recorded following twin blasts at Kabul airport in Afghanistan amid efforts to evacuate people out of the country.

John Kirby, United States Pentagon press secretary, confirmed the incident in a tweet on Thursday.

We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can.

— Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021

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At least 12 US service members were killed while not less than 60 Afghans were said to have lost their lives in the attack.

The Islamic State ­— Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

A US official was said to have told Reuters that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber.

The explosion was said to have occurred at Abbey gate, one of the three entrances to the airport.

The Abbey gate had been closed after several countries had asked people to avoid the airport earlier in the day due to a terrorist attack threat.

James Heappey, British armed forces minister, early on Thursday, said there was “very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport.

Similarly, Alexander De Croo, Belgium prime minister, said his country had received information from the US and other countries about the “threat of suicide attacks on the mass of people”.

On August 15, Taliban fighters invaded Kabul, and took over power after Ashraf Ghani, the Afghanistan president, fled the country.

Thousands of Afghans had flocked to the airport as they tried to get on evacuation flights in an attempt to flee the country.

The Taliban had pledged not to attack western forces during the evacuation but insisted that the process must be completed by August 31.