A third explosion has sounded off near Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai International Airport hours after two blasts are said to have claimed the lives of dozens of Afghan nationals and American troops.
Journalists on the ground have detailed that the "complex attack" carried out in the Afghan capital of Kabul remains "ongoing." A tally of fatalities or injuries associated with the third blast have not yet been released.
Citing sources, Saudi outlet al-Arabiya has reported that an additional two explosions sounded off on the outskirts of Kabul. Latest reports have also confirmed that new rounds of explosion have emerged along the airport. However, it's also worth noting that reports have also indicated that US forces conducted a controlled explosion on the north side of the airport to destroy equipment before leaving the capital.
A spokesperson for the Taliban* has indicated that members of the militant group are not in charge of the security at the Kabul-based airport as it is being manned by US forces. It was further stated that areas under Taliban control have remained stable.
The deadly attacks unfolded just hours after UK and US officials warned their nationals and allies to stay away from the airport in light of reports suggesting that a "high threat of terrorist attack" was imminent amid ongoing withdrawal efforts in the war-torn nation.
Earlier blasts took place near the airport's Abbey gate, with a second explosion believed to have been ignited by a suicide bomber near the Baron Hotel, which is used by both British and American forces. The explosions were confirmed by Admiral John Kirby, who serves as the Pentagon spokesperson.
It's presently unclear how the Biden White House may respond to the development, however, the US president previously indicated that his administration would respond in kind in the event of violence being carried out against American troops.
McKenzie stated that officials are working to identify exactly who was responsible for the strikes, so to "go after them." The chief also underscored that "extremely active threats" remain against the airport.
With dozens of Afghan nationals killed and over a hundred others injured as a result of the explosions, the Taliban has underscored that it fully condemns such attacks against its people. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the group, addressed the incidents via Twitter and stated that Taliban forces are "paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped."
In light of the developments Taliban officials have stood firm that the group does not intend to extend the terms of the withdrawal agreement in light of the explosions in and outside of the capital city.
* The Taliban and Daesh-K are terrorist organization banned in Russia and in many other states.