Kabul – Two explosions took place earlier today at Kabul’s international airport, as part of a reported suicide attack.
Both of the bombs struck near the Abbey Gate, where thousands of Afghans had amassed in the hopes of getting on a flight out of their country.
“We can confirm that the explosion at the gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of United States and civilian casualties,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.
“We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate.”
‘Bodies thrown into canal’
There have been some harrowing accounts of what happened at Kabul’s airport earlier today.
“Bodies, flesh and people were thrown into a canal nearby,” Milad, who was at the scene of the first explosion, told the AFP news agency.
“When people heard the explosion there was total panic. The Taliban then started firing in the air to disperse the crowd at the gate,” a second witness said.
“I saw a man rushing with an injured baby in his hands.”
In the confusion, the witness – who was not named – said he dropped the documents he hoped would help him board a flight with his wife and three children.
“I will never want to go [to the airport] again. Death to America, its evacuation and visas,” the witness told AFP.
Today’s bombing at Kabul airport came after warnings from several countries that the area could be a target, as thousands gathered there in the hope of leaving the country.
The UK warned just hours ago that a “highly lethal” terror attack could be carried out at any point.
Armed Forces minister James Heappey said there were “very credible” reports of a “severe” threat in the Afghan capital.
The US earlier advised Americans in Afghanistan not to travel or gather at the airport “because of security threats outside the gates”.
Australia also issued an alert, telling those outside the airport to leave immediately.
However, many Afghans desperate to flee the Taliban remained at the airport gates, ignoring the warnings. (BBC)
