As many as three US Marines were injured in a blast believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber outside of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday.
The blast was confirmed by the Pentagon, which did not initially confirm the number of injuries including those of any Afghans who may have been caught in the blast.
News reports indicated that the explosion set off a gunfight at the airport’s Abbey Gate. A Taliban official told Reuters that the blast killed some of their forces who were providing security outside the airport, putting the number dead at 13 including civilians. That number was also reported by Russia’s foreign ministry Three US officials confirmed to CNN that US personnel were wounded in the attack.
Dozens of wounded civilians turned up at local hospitals after the blast, with the initial wounded count reaching as high as 60.
Follow Afghanistan news LIVE: Latest updates as suspected suicide bombing outside Kabul airport
“There has been a large explosion at the airport, and there are reports of gunfire. US citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid airport gates. Those at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately,” said the State Department in an advisory to US citizens.
“We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate,” added Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a statement.
Taliban, UK, and US officials pointed to Isis-aligned forces as likely responsible for the bombing.
US officials have yet to issue a concrete statement assigning blame, but reportedly have made clear in congressional briefings that they “strongly believe” Isis to be involved, according to Reuters.
"[T]he Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport,” a spokesperson for the Taliban told Sky News, adding "the Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped.”
One source described the attack that unfolded outside Abbey Gate as “complex” and other reports indicated that a second explosion may have occurred in the city.
A spokesperson for the British government told CNN that the UK was "working urgently to establish what has happened and its impact on the ongoing evacuation effort”.
"Our primary concern remains the safety of our personnel, British citizens and the citizens of Afghanistan. We are in close contact with our US and other NATO allies at an operational level on the immediate response to this incident,” said the spokesperson.
President Joe Biden, who was scheduled to meet on Thursday with Israel’s new prime minister, was in the Situation Room as the attack made headlines and delayed his meeting with Naftali Bennett to an undisclosed time. The meeting was originally slated for 11:30 eastern.
US lawmakers reacted to the news with shock.
“Horrific terrorist attacks outside Kabul airport. My heart breaks for the U.S. servicemembers wounded in the explosion and the innocent Afghan lives lost. I am inspired by the strength and compassion of our troops and pray for their safety,” tweeted Sen Mitt Romney.
A witness to the explosion described the horrific scene in an interview with Fox News.
“Inside the crowd, a lot of people got hurt,” said the man, who was identified by the network as a Afghan national and special immigrant visa (SIV) applicant who had previously worked with US forces in the country.
"I had a baby girl-- she was 5 years old. She died right in my hand,” the man said in an emotional conversation with Fox’s Bill Hemmer, explaining that the child belonged to another couple. “I tried to help her."
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