AFGHANISTAN

Explosions outside Kabul airport claim casualties

Citing Taliban, news channel Al-Jazeera says at least 10 people killed, dozens injured

At least 10 people were killed and 50 injured, said news channel Al-Jazeera, citing the Taliban, which earlier this month gained control of Kabul and most of Afghanistan but not the airport. AA

H. J. I. / AA

Two explosions took place outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry, with an unspecified number of casualties reported by the US Pentagon.

-There were two explosions outside of Kabul Airport. There is no damage or casualties in our units- the ministry said on Twitter.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Twitter: “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. We will continue to update.”

At least 10 people were killed and 50 injured, said news channel Al-Jazeera, citing the Taliban, which earlier this month gained control of Kabul and most of Afghanistan but not the airport.

US forces are in control of the airport as evacuations continue ahead of an Aug. 31 deadline – the only area of the country still under US control.

Thousands of people are waiting at the airport for evacuation, and large crowds have gathered outside the airport grounds, seeking a way inside to get a flight out.