From The Tribune staff reports
KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. officials confirmed at least four U.S. Marines were killed Thursday in attacks outside the Kabul airport. Fox News reported in all, 12 U.S. Servicemembers were killed at Abbey Gate, at the Hamid Karzai International Airport.
U.S. Department of Defense service members defend aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), in support of Operation Allies Refuge in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2021. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the U.S. State Department in the departure of U.S. and allied civilian personnel from Afghanistan, and to evacuate Afghan allies to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Crul)
Two explosions rocked the capital city as people were already scrambling to evacuate the region, which was recently taken over by the Taliban.
A Taliban spokesperson condemned the attacks and sources believe ISIS-K, a terrorist group is responsible.
A suicide bomber was suspected of attacking the airport and another explosion occurred at the Baron Hotel, less than a mile from the airport.
The Kabul Emergency Hospital reported that more than 30 patients were being treated at its surgical center and six people were brought to the hospital already dead. The hospital has activated its mass casualty protocols.
The Pentagon is calling the attacks “complex” in nature.
A White House briefing planned for today has been delayed and President Joe Biden has not spoken about the attacks.
