Kabul suicide attack: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings outside the international airport in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Thursday evening.
A suicide bomber struck on Thursday as foreign nationals were being rescued from Kabul airport after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. At least 13 US soldiers have been killed in the largest attack on US troops since 2011, according to international media reports. Another 85 people were killed, according to Al Jazeera.
The death toll from the bombing has been reported by various international media outlets. The BBC reports that at least 90 people have been killed, 13 of them in the US military.
After the attack, US President Joe Biden said that revenge would be taken against the terrorists. He said that the terrorists would be sought out and revenge would be taken. Biden, meanwhile, has been widely criticized for believing in the Taliban. The United States has demanded Biden’s resignation.
Meanwhile, ousted Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has said the Taliban and the Haqqani network have strong ties to the ISI. He also blamed the Taliban for the Kabul attack.
The situation in Afghanistan has become critical after the Kabul attack. The bomber struck shortly afternoon in front of a crowded international airport, disrupting rescue efforts, according to international media reports. However, the British military said its repatriation mission was continuing.
The Taliban has said that foreign troops should leave Afghanistan by August 31. But the United States has said the rescue operation will not be completed by then. Kabul airport is currently under US military control. But with the return of US troops, there is growing concern about who will be in control of the airport. (Agency)
