Afghans, US troops killed in blasts targeting Kabul airport evacuations
US officials feared the local faction called the Islamic State-Khorasan could attack the beleaguered airfield in the Afghan capital.
Two suspected Islamic State suicide bombers killed and wounded scores of people outside Kabul’s main airport, including 12 US troops, a top US commander said Thursday.
Another 15 US military personnel were wounded at the Abbey gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport, CENTCOM commander Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie said during a virtual press briefing at the Pentagon.
CENTCOM later updated that number, saying 13 service members had died and 18 were wounded.
At least 60 other people were killed by the blasts, BBC reported, with an additional 140 reported wounded. IS gunmen opened fire at the gate following the explosion, McKenzie said.
