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Kabul Airport Blast: 13 US troops killed, ‘Learn well from masters,’ says Saleh

Acting President Amrullah Saleh claims links between ISKP and Taliban as death tolls from Kabul Airport Blast rises

Two gunmen and a bomber have attacked the desperate Afghan crowds gathered at Kabul International Airport despite warnings by western capitals to flee the country on Thursday.

According to Al-Jazeera, at least 60 people were killed, and dozens were injured in the twin blasts. Among the dead were civilians and around 12 American soldiers.

Kabul airport blast: The horrific incident

There were two explosions within the perimeters of Hamid Karzai International Airport, the Pentagon spokesperson, John Kirby tweeted. He added that one blast occurred at the entrance of the Abbey gate. The second blast was near Baron Hotel, a hotel in the vicinity of the airport where foreigners were told to wait before evacuation.

The USA Department of Defense has confirmed that around 15 soldiers were injured in the horrifying attack. General McKenzie said, “We will continue the evacuation process.”

IS claims responsibilities for Kabul Airport blasts

The Islamic State affiliate of Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for the attack. Known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) or ISIS-K, the affiliate is named after the Afghan province. They are opposed to Western nations and the Taliban, who have recently captured Afghanistan in a blitz.

Several Taliban members were also killed in the attack, the spokesperson of Taliban, Zabihullah said. “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul Airport. The bomber struck shortly in the afternoon in front of a US military base. The Islamic Emirate is very concerned about the security and protection of its people. The evil circles will be stopped in full force,” he tweeted.

Al Jazeera added, Members of ISIS-K with links to the Islamic States in Iraq and Syria have carried out several brutal attacks targeting the minorities Shia Muslims. ISIS-K carried out the 2020 assault on a maternity hospital in Kabul, which killed women and infants.

ISKP released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. The statement released contained a photo of the bomber who has possibly detonated near the Abbey gate of the airport.

Saleh on Kabul Airport blast

The acting president of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh has compared the links between the Taliban and ISKP and Quetta Shura and Pakistan on Friday. He has said that the Taliban denying links with the ISKP is similar to Pakistan denying connections with Quetta Shura.

Quetta Shura is a militant group based in Balochistan. It was formed right after the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

He also took a dig at the Pakistan and Taliban links. He said, “Taliban have learned very well from masters.” Saleh also added that every piece of evidence is currently pointing at the ISKP roots within the militant groups presently ruling Kabul

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Sayantika Bhowal

Sayantika Bhowal is a news connoisseur who is particularly interested in politics and human interest stories. She holds More »
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