12 US troops killed, 15 wounded in Kabul attacks: US general

DULLES, VIRGINIA – AUGUST 26: Family members greet refugees evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan at Dulles International Airport on August 26, 2021 in Dulles, Virginia. With a deadline of August 31 looming, and the detonation of a bomb earlier today near the Kabul airport, pressure to evacuate allied support personnel and Americans is rapidly increasing. Win McNamee/Getty Images/AFP

(AFP) — Twelve US servicemen were killed and 15 wounded in suicide bombing attacks in Kabul on Thursday by Islamic State militants, the head of US Central Command said.

“A number of Afghan civilians were also killed and injured in the attack,” General Kenneth McKenzie told reporters. “We’re still working to calculate the total losses.”

McKenzie also said the US airlift in Kabul will continue despite the attacks.

“Let me be clear. While we’re saddened by the loss of life, both US and Afghan, we’re continuing to execute the mission,” he said, “which is to get as many evacuees and citizens out of Afghanistan.”

McKenzie said he expected IS militants to attempt further attacks but that “will not deter us from accomplishing the mission.”

The general said two suicide bombers had detonated explosives near the Abbey Gate at Kabul airport and the nearby Baron Hotel.

He said a number of IS gunmen then opened fire on civilians and military forces.

The US airlift is scheduled to end on August 31 with a complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.