Taliban official says twin blasts outside Kabul airport leaves 13, including four US soldiers, dead

Western nations had already warned of a possible attack there in the waning days of a massive airlift.

Unconfirmed reports put the explosion at the airport's main Abbey Gate, where thousands of people have massed over the past 12 days hoping to be evacuated after the Taliban seized power.

Other reports located it close to the Baron Hotel near the gate, which Western nations had used to stage some evacuations.

Four US service members were killed in the attack, US media reported, and a further three were injured. One blast occurred near the airport's Abbey Gate and the other close to the nearby Baron Hotel. Two US officials said at least one of the explosions appeared to be from a suicide bombing.

The Pentagon confirmed the blast, with no immediate word on casualties. Suspicion for any attack targeting the crowds would likely fall on the Islamic State group and not the Taliban, who have been deployed at the airport’s gates trying to control the mass of people.

Several countries urged people to avoid the airport earlier in the day, with one saying there was a threat of a suicide bombing. But just days — or even hours for some nations — before the evacuation effort ends, few appeared to heed the call.

Explosion appears to be suicide attack: US official

The US Pentagon press secretary said there had been an explosion outside Kabul airport, adding it was unclear if there were casualties.

SOURCE: AFP/REUTERS