On Thursday, two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked people near the Kabul airport on Thursday, leaving at least 12 U.S. service members dead.
“At least 12 U.S. service members were among the dead, including 11 Marines and one Navy medic, according to two U.S. officials,” the Associated Press reported. “Officials say a number of US military troops were wounded and warned the toll could grow.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, “The explosion at the Abbey Gate of the airport was the result of a complex attack, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said. He said another blast occurred near the Baron hotel adjacent to the airport. A British security official said both attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.”
According to Wall Street Journal correspondent Ehsanullah Amiri, the explosions killed more than 60 people and wounded 150 more. It is unclear of the U.S. service members were included in the death toll.
Reports earlier in the day said that the number could be worse as the Taliban has told health care workers not to report the number of casualties.
“Initial estimates of the total dead and wounded differed, and were rising quickly as different hospitals and officials reported in,” the New York Times reported earlier Thursday. “One Afghan health official said at least 30 people were confirmed dead and at least 120 wounded. Another health official said at least 40 were dead and 120 wounded. Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Taliban told them not to brief the press, they said.”
