Afghanistan News highlights: Islamic State claims deadly bomb attack at Kabul airport

As the deadline for the US to evacuate troops inches closer, people in Afghanistan are scrambling to flee the country, fearing the rule of the Taliban. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that over 82,000 people have been evacuated from the country. Twin suicide bombings struck outside Kabul's airport, where large crowds of people trying to flee Afghanistan have massed, killing at least 13 people. Stay tuned for live updates.

Islamic State claims deadly bomb attack at Kabul airport: SITE monitoring - AFP

Afghan official says at least 60 Afghans were killed and 143 others wounded in airport attack - AP

UN chief calls permanent Security Council meeting on Afghanistan

US general says US military will 'go after' the perpetrators of the Kabul attacks if they can be found - AP

US general says 12 US service members killed in Kabul attacks, which he says were carried out by 'ISIS fighters' - AP

Nearly 300 people have been killed and wounded during the twin blasts near Kabul airport today

A firefight is underway in Kabul’s Darulaman area. Heavy gunshots continue

Fourth blast reported in Kabul

Italy 'strongly condemns' Kabul airport attack: Foreign ministry

Italy "strongly condemns" Thursday's bomb attacks at the airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio wrote on Twitter.

"No Italian was harmed in the attacks in Kabul... I express my condolences to those who lost their lives and my solidarity with the wounded. Italy strongly condemns the attacks," Di Maio wrote, as the country continues to evacuate some Afghans by air. - AFP.

India strongly condemns bomb blasts in Kabul today: MEA

Initial information indicates that at least 10 US troops believed to be killed in Kabul explosions, US official tells Reuters

Pentagon says multiple US service members killed in Kabul attack

Four US Marines killed, ambassador in Kabul tells staff: Report

The US ambassador in Kabul has told staff that four US Marines were killed in the explosion at the airport and three were wounded, a US official in the know told WSJ.

UK to continue evacuation operation despite Kabul attack: Johnson

The international community must work closely together to avoid a resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan and beyond, says von der Leyen

There is no indication from the White House that President Biden plans to change the August 31 US withdrawal target.

UK warns airlines to avoid flying below 25,000 feet over Afghanistan after attack

Britain has issued a notice to airlines to avoid flying below 25,000 feet (7,620 metres) over Afghanistan after an attack near Kabul airport on Thursday.

France is in talks with the Taliban to allow hundreds of Afghans to be evacuated from Afghanistan, French President Emmanuel Macron said, as a suspected suicide bomb exploded outside Kabul airport

The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the attack on civilians at Kabul airport, says Mujahid.

The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the attack on civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security. We are paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped, says Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.

Officials say there is increasing concern about more attacks at the airport, according to a report by Reuters.

I confirm two explosions in the assembly of people in the area managed by US forces have occurred: Taliban

Initial reports say, 13 persons have been killed and 52 wounded. We strongly condemn this gruesome incident and will take every step to bring the culprits to justice, says Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

Abdullah Abdullah condemns Kabul attack

I strongly condemn the terrorist attack at Kabul Airport which killed and wounded a large number of the civilians. My thought and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time, says Dr Abdullah Abdullah

US official believes IS behind Kabul airport attack

A US official says the complex attack outside Kabul airport is "definitely believed" to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. The official says members of the US military were wounded in Thursday's attack, which involved two suicide bombers and gunmen.

Biden's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, scheduled to be happening now has been delayed due to Kabul airport bombing.

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg condemns suicide attack at Kabul airport

US officials say as many as 5 US service members may have been injured, citing initial information, according to a report by Reuters

At least 52 people have been injured in two explosions near Kabul airport, reports TOLOnews quoting Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.

More than 30 patients have arrived at our Kabul Surgical Centre so far, tweets Emergency Hospital

6 others already dead on arrival. We have activated all mass casualty protocols, says Emergency Hospital near Kabul airport.

French ambassador to leave Afghanistan, work from Paris: Macron

UK govt to hold crisis meeting after Kabul airport explosion: Downing Street

Pentagon confirms second attack at Baron Hotel near the airport. Number of US and civilian casualties, says Pentagon spokesperson

'Kabul airport blast kills at least 13, including children'

An explosion outsideKabulairportkilled at least 13 people, including children, and wounded many Taliban guards, a Taliban official told Reuters.

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Second suicide attack at Baron hotel near Kabul airport, say unconfirmed reports.

Pentagon confirms casualties at Kabul airport

At least 13 killed, including children, several Taliban guards wounded in blast outside Kabul airport, reports Reuters quoting Taliban official.

French envoy warns second attack at Kabul airport possible following explosion, warns civilians to leave urgently, according to a report by RT.

At least 15 have been injured, say local media reports quoting sources.

US official says US troops have been wounded according to multiple media reports.

The attack was mounted by a suicide bomber. Victims are being transported to hospitals on trolleys, say local media reports.

US official tells Reuters that initial report is that explosion outside Kabul airport was caused by a suicide bombing.

Reports quoting eye witnesses claim gunfire is underway and multiple casualties.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirms blast outside Kabul airport. Casualties unclear, says Kirby

Large explosion reported at a gate of Kabul airport, according to multiple local media outlets.

Desperate Afghans cling to evacuation hopes as clock ticks

With the clock running down on the chance to escape life under the newly returned Taliban, thousands of Afghans were still besieging Kabul airport Thursday, hoping against hope that they could slip onto one of the last flights out.

Not even the threat of a suicide bomb attack deterred the throngs gathered at a roundabout on the main airport road -- the chance of a new life abroad made the risk worthwhile.

Teenager who held on departing plane's wing still missing, says report

The family of a 15-year-old boy, who 10 days ago went to Kabul Airport to flee to another country is still missing, according to a report by Pajhwok news agency.

Russia says not yet decided to recognise Taliban

The Kremin says that Russia will closely follow the developments in Afghanistan before making a decision on whether to recognise the Taliban's rule.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Moscow will watch the Taliban's “future steps to ensure order and security of the country's citizens and provide security for the Russian diplomats.”

Taliban has detained several Afghan journalists and activists leaving Afghanistan, according to reports by local media.

Pak PM Imran Khan calls on international community for positive engagement with Afghanistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and asked the international community for positive engagement with Kabul as a way forward to avert any humanitarian crisis and ensure peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

Khan made the comments during his meeting with Executive Director of United Nations World Food Program (WFP) David Beasley here. During the meeting, they discussed ways of facilitating the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

Taliban fighters beating journalist with guns starkly belies press conference promises: HRW

Reports of Taliban fighters beating a journalist with guns, and warning women to stay home because their fighters cannot be trusted. Ominous signals indeed that senior Taliban tolerating abuse by their fighters, starkly belying press conference promises, says Human Rights Watch.

Qatar offering Covid vaccines to Afghanistan evacuees yet to transit

Qatar is offering Covid-19 vaccines to evacuees from Afghanistan who are temporarily staying in the Gulf Arab state, which has been facilitating global evacuation efforts since the Taliban seized Kabul, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the region, has so far helped evacuate more than 40,000 people to Doha and will continue to facilitate international efforts in "the coming days", the ministry said in a statement.

Afghan refugee crisis: The exodus of nation-builders

An adolescent girl with green eyes, wearing a torn red headscarf looking intensely at the camera was an iconic image taken by photojournalist Steve McCurry for the June 1985 cover of the National Geographic. That timeless image of an Afghan refugee girl with striking eyes inspired millions of people worldwide to recognise the anguish and plight of one of the initial waves of refugees from Afghanistan. Read more

India has evacuated 565 persons from Afghanistan so far

As per evacuation data shared by EAM S Jaishankar- 175 Embassy Personnel evacuated, 263 other Indian Nationals, 112 Afghan Nationals including Hindus and Sikhs, 15 Third Country Nationals - a total of 565 persons have been evacuated.

E-visa system has been started for Afghan nationals. Special Afghan Cell was set up on August 16 to coordinate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan in a streamlined manner. The cell, operational 24X7, responds to requests over calls, emails, and Whatsapp messages.

'Painful moment' as Dutch halt Kabul evacuation flights

The Dutch government said it would stop evacuation flights from Kabul on Thursday in what it acknowledged was a "painful moment" that would leave some people behind in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The Netherlands said it had been ordered by US forces to leave ahead of the withdrawal of American troops on August 31, and advised people to avoid the airport for security reasons.(AFP)

Resettle Sikhs, Hindus from Afghanistan in Uttar Pradesh: Minister writes to Amit Shah

Uttar Pradesh minister Baldev Singh Aulakh has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging him to resettle Hindus and Sikhs displaced from Afghanistan in Rampur district of the state. Read more

G20 must make sure Afghan women preserve freedoms and rights: Draghi

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Thursday the Group of 20 major economies must be committed to making sure women preserve fundamental freedoms and basic rights in the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

"The G20 must do all it can to ensure that Afghan women preserve their fundamental freedoms and basic rights, especially the right to education. Progress made over the past twenty years must be preserved," Draghi said in opening remarks at the G20 Conference on Women's Empowerment. (Reuters)

Britain warns of 'imminent attack' targeting Kabul airport

The British government says large numbers of people hoping to leave Afghanistan remain outside Kabul airport, despite warnings to leave because of the risk of a suicide bombing. The United States, Australia and Britain have told their citizens to leave the area immediately. It comes after President Joe Biden warned of the threat of attacks from militants linked to the Islamic State group. (AP)

French President Macron discussed Afghan crisis with Tajik president

French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the crisis in Afghanistan with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon, and Macron will host Rakhmon at a meeting in France on October13, a statement from Macron's office said.

Tajikistan will not recognise an Afghan government that is not inclusive and representative of all its ethnic groups, Rakhmon said on Wednesday, accusing the Taliban of failing to fulfil their promise of inclusivity.(Reuters)

Was beaten by the Taliban in Kabul, clarifies TOLO news reporter

TOLO news reporter Ziar Khan Yaad clarifies over his death reports saying "I was beaten by the Taliban in Kabul's New City while reporting. Some people have spread the news of my death which is false."

Earlier,TOLO news tweeted saying that he was killed by the Taliban.

France set to stop Afghanistan evacuations from Friday evening onwards

France will no longer be able to evacuate people from Afghanistan from Friday evening onwards, French Prime Minister Jean Castex told RTL radio. "We are going to continue until tomorrow evening," said Castex on Thursday.(Reuters)

A TOLO news reporter has been killed by the Taliban in Kabul.

Area around Kabul airport 'incredibly crowded', says Western diplomat

Huge crowds continued to throng the gates of Kabul airport despite warnings by the United States and its allies of possible attacks by Islamic State militants, a Western diplomat at the airport said on Thursday.(Reuters)

Badri 313: Taliban display 'special forces' in new avatar

The Taliban has been showing off its own "special forces" on social media with "soldiers" in new uniforms equipped with looted American equipment who contrasts sharply with the image of the usual Afghan insurgent. Here are some pictures of Taliban fighters in a new avatar:

Afghans told to avoid Kabul airport as Islamic State threat emerges

The United States and allies urged people to move away from Kabul airport on Thursday due to the threat of an Islamic State terror attack as Western troops hurry to evacuate as many Afghans as possible before an Aug. 31 deadline. Read more

What is the Islamic State threat in Afghanistan?

As desperate Afghans crowd Kabul airport trying to get on any evacuation flights to flee the Taliban, officials have warned of another jihadist threat: the Islamic State group.President Joe Biden said there is "an acute and growing risk" of an attack at the airport by the group's regional chapter, called Islamic State-Khorasan or ISIS-K. Read more

Who will mentor the Taliban this time, Pakistan or Qatar?

As the Taliban settle into their second stint as Afghanistan’s rulers, any hope of avoiding a reprise of their first period of rule may rest on a competition for influence in Kabul between Pakistan and Qatar. The outcome will determine what role the wider world, and especially the West, can play in the country after the withdrawal of American forces. Read more

US and allies warn of 'high' terror threat at Kabul airport

The United States warned crowds trying to access Kabul airport to leave the area, as Britain and Australia cited the "high threat" of a terrorist attack. A flurry of near-identical travel warnings from London, Canberra and Washington late Wednesday urged people gathered in the area to vacate and move to a safe location. (AFP)

Afghan passports with Indian visas stolen at ISI's behest

Media reports said that at the behest of Pakistan, ISI raided a travel agent and stole several passports with Indian visas. Security agencies are apprehensive that the security of the country may be threatened as terrorists present in Afghanistan may enter India using such stolen passports. Read more

This handout photo courtesy ot the US Air Force shows Afghan evacuees stand in line outside the passenger terminal to get on buses at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 24, 2021. - Afghans on August 25, hurried to escape Taliban rule, but Western officials said the group had made assurances that some evacuations would be permitted after next week's US withdrawal deadline. Over 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14, but huge crowds remain outside Kabul airport hoping to flee the threat of reprisals and repression in Taliban-led Afghanistan. Credit: AFP Photo

'Total failure': The war on terror, 20 years on

Twenty years ago, US president George W. Bush declared a "war on terror". Today, its failure is undeniable, with jihadist groups both more numerous and scattered more widely across the world. Read more

UK advises against all travel to Afghanistan amid 'high threat of terrorist attack'

Britain's Foreign Office on Wednesday advised against all travel to Afghanistan, adding the security situation in the country remained volatile, with a "high threat of a terrorist attack".

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Over 82,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan so far, says Antony Blinken

The US has so far evacuated over 82,000 people from Kabul, with about 19,000 in the last 24 hours alone, in "one of the largest" airlifts in the world history, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

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Taliban agree to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy

Germany said Wednesday it has received assurance from a Taliban negotiator that Afghans who have the right documents will still be allowed to leave Afghanistan after the United States' withdrawal deadline on August 31.

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Girl born on Afghan evacuation flight named for plane

An Afghan baby girl born on a C-17 military aircraft during an evacuation flight from Afghanistan will forever carry that experience with her.

Her parents have named her after the plane's call sign - Reach.

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Taliban strengthened access and control around Kabul airport: Pentagon

The Taliban have strengthened their measures of access and control around the Kabul airport, the Pentagon has said.

“The Taliban have bolstered their own security at their checkpoints and have gotten involved in crowd control...every day is a different day, and yesterday we estimated that crowds were about half the size they had been the previous days,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

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