A Taliban official stated today, Friday, that at least 28 members of the Taliban were among those killed in the bombings outside Kabul airport, while the Taliban reported the civilian death toll from the Kabul airport explosion has risen to 72. The official, as reported by "Reuters," said, "We lost more people than the Americans." He emphasized that there is no reason to extend the deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan beyond August 31. He reiterated that Taliban guards will place watchtowers around all Afghan airports.
The toll announced by the Taliban differs from that provided by Washington and Afghan health authorities, with the bombing reportedly resulting in the deaths of 13 American servicemen and injuring 18 others, according to Washington. Afghan health officials also reported that at least 90 Afghans were killed and 150 others injured, but the toll is expected to rise amid difficulties in reaching hospitals.
The Taliban vehemently condemned the attack, asserting that it took place in an area under the control of US forces. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that "the explosion occurred in an area for which American troops are responsible for security." Many countries and international organizations around the world also condemned the suicide attack.
The attack occurred amid a large crowd outside Kabul airport on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians and at least 13 American soldiers. The explosions happened amidst a dense gathering of families at the airport gates, attempting to escape Afghanistan, followed by heavy gunfire.
In a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, ISIS claimed that one of its fighters "was able to penetrate all security fortifications... and reached within five meters of the American forces... and then detonated his explosive belt among them." The ISIS statement referred to one suicide bomber, while the US Department of Defense reported two suicide bombings followed by gunfire.
General Kenneth Frank McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, stated at a press conference at the Pentagon that suicide bombers detonated themselves at Abbey Gate of Kabul airport and the nearby Baron Hotel.
