Cellphone photo shows smoke rising near the blast site at the Kabul airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)
The first explosion struck the north gate, a military gate of the Kabul airport. The second massive blast occured about 30 minutes later in Baron Camp, a military base near the airport used by coalition forces in the past.
At least six people were killed and 60 others wounded in the blasts, an Italian-run Emergency Surgical Center for War Victims said.
KABUL, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Gun-firing continued at Kabul airport in the Afghan capital following the twin explosions on Thursday night, reported a local TV channel.
The first explosion struck the north gate, a military gate of the Kabul airport. The second massive blast occured about 30 minutes later in Baron Camp, a military base near the airport used by coalition forces in the past.
At least six people were killed and 60 others wounded in the blasts, an Italian-run Emergency Surgical Center for War Victims said.
Unconfirmed reports said at least 40 dead bodies and 120 wounded were transferred to Kabul hospitals.
Gun firing could still be heard as of 8:30 p.m. local time, reported Tolo News TV, citing witnesses.
The report said several armed militants were involved in the complex attack.
Thousands of U.S. and coalition forces soldiers were stationed inside the airport while Taliban members provided security for the outside of the facility.
People are seen at the Kabul airport following the twin explosions on Aug. 26, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)
Unofficial sources said the attack was launched by Islamic State (IS) militants.
The Taliban condemned the bombing outside Kabul airport, saying it happened at an area where U.S. forces are responsible for security.
At least three U.S. servicemen and some Taliban guards were believed to be among the injured, according to reports.
The bombings came after Western nations warned of a terrorist attack on the airport as thousands of people gathered waiting for evacuation flights to leave the country.
At least 90,000 people have been evacuated from Kabul airport since Aug. 14, one day before the Taliban captured Kabul. The airlifting process is expected to complete on Aug. 31. ■
