“We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack,” said John Kirby, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured,” he added.
Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, said that two suicide bombers, assessed to have been ISIS fighters, detonated in the vicinity of the Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport and in the vicinity of the Baron Hotel.
“The evacuation, at best speed, and as of today, we have approximately 5,000 evacuees on the ramp awaiting airlift. Since August 14, we have evacuated more than 104,000 civilians from Kabul Airport,” McKenzie added.