US General Warns Of More Attacks After Kabul Airport Bombings
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – U.S. General Kenneth F. McKenzie has warned of more attacks after 12 American troops were killed in suicide blasts and shootings around Kabul’s main airport. “The [planned attacks] range from rocket attacks to suicide vehicles ranging from a small to a bigger vehicle as well as a walking vest-wearing suicide attacker,” he said.
He spoke as Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks and shootings around Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport on Thursday that killed at least 60 people. Some 140 people were injured in the blasts and gunfire, officials said.
Among those killed were reportedly 11 U.S. Marines and one Navy medic. There were also 15 American military personnel injured.
In a surprise announcement, General McKenzie confirmed the U.S. military was coordinating with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban group and sharing some information on imminent attacks. “They know what we expect from them to protect us. We have a shared interest as they want us to leave by August 31.”
He said there were reports of third and fourth attacks in Kabul, the capital.
General McKenzie clarified that “While we are saddened by the loss of life, we continue our mission,” to evacuate at-risk people despite Thursday’s violence. He added: “We already helped 104,000 civilians to evacuate. We believe there are as many as 1,000 Americans still in Afghanistan.”
He warned that if they determine who was responsible for Thursday’s blasts, “we will look 24/7 for those responsible” for the attacks blamed on the Islamic State.
“We think one suicide attack happened at the [main airport] Abbey Gate. We don’t know much about the second blast at the Baron Hotel. “As far as I know, there were no U.K. casualties but many Afghans.”
Gunfire was then reported – understood to have come from another attacker. General McKenzie said the military was also looking into reports of third and fourth attacks in Kabul.
However, he also cautioned, “We have an extremely active stream of threats. Our focus is now that another attack like this does not occur. Because as you know, more could follow.”
He said the plan is “to still get as many people out” of the country as possible. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that evacuations of the British and other desperate people would continue for now.
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