27 August 2021

Suicide explosives and small-arms attack at Kabul airport demonstrates Wilayat Khorasan's intent to exploit instability following Taliban takeover in Afghanistan

by Alex Theodosiou

On 26 August, a suicide attack involving two explosions and small-arms fire occurred in the vicinity of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, as evacuation efforts continued following the 15 August takeover of the country by Deobandi Islamist militant group the Taliban. A doctor at the Afghan Ministry of Public Health stated that at least 95 people had been killed in the attack, and that at least a further 150 had been wounded, including Taliban militants. The United States confirmed that 13 US military personnel were among those killed. Shortly after the attack, the Islamic State's Wilayat Khorasan claimed responsibility.

One explosion occurred at the nearby Baron Hotel, followed by small-arms fire. The hotel was being used by United Kingdom authorities to process UK and Afghan nationals eligible to be evacuated from the country. Shortly afterwards, a second explosion occurred by the airport's Abbey Gate, in a sewage canal in which people seeking evacuation were having their visa documentation assessed. At least two assailants were involved in the attack.

A US Marine grabs an infant over a fence of barbed wire during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 19 August 2021. Dozens of people were killed a week later on 26 August, at the Abbey Gate at the airport, as they queued for permission to evacuate. (Courtesy of Omar Haidiri/AFP via Getty Images)

The day before the attack, on 25 August, the United States Department of State issued a warning to US nationals in Afghanistan to avoid travelling to the airport, and for those present at the location to leave immediately, due to threats outside the airport. Similar warnings were issued by the UK and Australian governments, citing “ongoing and high” threats of terrorist attacks.

On 26 August, a suicide attack involving two explosions and small-arms fire occurred in the vicinity...

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