Afghanistan evacuations continue but more attacks feared after death toll from Kabul airport blasts passes 100
- Thursday’s bombings killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US troops. The true toll could be higher because bodies may have been taken from the scene
- The US government has blamed the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, which is more radical than the Taliban militants who seized power on August 15
Thursday’s attacks near Kabul’s international airport killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US troops. Scores more were wounded in the blasts. The true toll could be higher because bodies may have been taken from the scene, officials said. It was the deadliest day for US forces in Afghanistan since August 2011.
General Frank McKenzie, head of US Central Command, said the forces remained on high alert for further attacks, including possibly rockets or car bombs targeting the airport.
“We’re doing everything we can to be prepared,” he said, adding that some intelligence was being shared with the Taliban and that he believed “some attacks have been thwarted by them”.
The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that the attack was carried out by one suicide bomber, not two as earlier thought.
“I can confirm for you that we do not believe that there was a second explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, that it was one suicide bomber,” Army Major General William Taylor told reporters.