A Taliban official confirmed on Friday that the group is set to establish observation towers around all Afghan airports. This decision follows the suicide bombings that occurred at Kabul Airport, resulting in the deaths of over 72 people, including 13 American soldiers and others from the Taliban. This comes after the Abbey Gate leading to Kabul Airport witnessed two bombings carried out by suicide bombers affiliated with the "Khorasan Province" of ISIS, followed by gunfire from armed members of the same group targeting civilians and soldiers.
The Taliban controls the roads leading to the airport gates, while Marines and other forces are tasked with providing security at the airport's gates and premises. These military personnel are responsible for screening thousands of individuals daily before allowing them to access the airport in an effort to evacuate them from Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover of power.
**Increase in U.S. Casualties**
The Pentagon announced that the number of U.S. military casualties from the suicide attack that took place on Thursday at one of Kabul Airport's gates has risen to 13 dead and 18 injured. U.S. Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban stated in a statement, "A thirteenth American soldier has died from the wounds sustained in the attack at Abbey Gate." He added, "The number of injured is now 18," noting that the previous toll reported by the Pentagon indicated 12 dead and 15 injured among U.S. military personnel.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Corps mentioned that 10 of the 13 deceased were Marines, indicating that their identities will remain confidential for 24 hours until their families are notified of their deaths. In this context, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command responsible for Afghanistan, stated that the mission of these military personnel requires them to be in close contact with the individuals they are inspecting and verifying their identification documents.
**ISIS in Afghanistan**
Additionally, a NATO official urged the Taliban to investigate the spread of ISIS in Kabul. The official from the international alliance noted that the Taliban has released thousands from prisons in recent weeks, holding the group responsible for maintaining security in Afghanistan. The international official appealed to the Taliban to clarify its stance on the governing rules it will follow, pointing out that fear and anxiety have pushed Afghans to a shocking breaking point.
