Explosions Near Kabul Airport Kill More Than 100; ISIS Claims Responsibility
Joe Biden has ordered strikes against the terrorists.
Explosions near Kabul airport killed more than 100 people and wounded another 150. Among the dead are 90 Afghans and 13 American military personnel. There is no information yet about Ukrainians among the victims.
We cover everything known so far about the explosions, those responsible, and Biden's statements in response to the situation.
Those responsible for the explosions
In recent days, large crowds of people have gathered at Kabul airport in hopes of leaving the country. On August 26, several explosions occurred near the airport, after which eyewitnesses heard gunfire.
The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabul. NYT investigative journalist quoted the group's statement: ISIS said a suicide bomber carried out the explosion.
Sky News reports that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for two explosions that occurred during the day.
Commander of the US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, said that the terrorists could continue carrying out attacks in Afghanistan.
Islamic State condemned the 2020 truce between the Taliban and the United States and insisted that armed struggle must continue. They consider the Taliban's control over Afghanistan to be part of a secret agreement with the US.
On the evening of August 26, a series of new explosions occurred in Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that they were set off by American military personnel destroying their equipment. The American command confirmed this.
Evacuation continues
President Joe Biden pledged that the US will complete the evacuation despite the attacks. According to him, 7,000 people were evacuated from Kabul airport in 12 hours, and more than 100,000 since August 15.
Biden noted that American citizens, green card holders and Afghans with special visas still remain in Afghanistan. The US president stressed that it is impossible to evacuate all Afghans who do not support the Taliban, as there are millions of them in the country.
All Western countries plan to fully evacuate their embassies and citizens from Kabul by August 30. The operation will end on August 31, but in the last two days the main forces will be directed to removing American military personnel who remain there and ensure the evacuation.
At present, about 1,500 US citizens, 400 British citizens and 200 German citizens are in Afghanistan. France plans to complete the evacuation of its citizens by the evening of August 27.
As of August 25, about 90 Ukrainians remained in the country. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said diplomats are considering various ways to evacuate them. The ministry added that there is no information yet about Ukrainians injured in the explosions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack in Kabul and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Biden's statements
On the evening of August 26, US President Joe Biden made a statement about the terrorist attack in Kabul. He began his speech with the words "It is a difficult day."
Biden noted the American soldiers who died while taking part "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the people behind the attack near the airport will be tracked down and made to pay.
Joe Biden
President of the United StatesWe will not forgive. We will not forget. We will track you down and make you pay. The US will choose the time for it.
He ordered the preparation of strikes against the leaders and facilities of the terrorists, regardless of where they are.
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