After explosions in Kabul, the Pentagon has confirmed that 12 United States service members are deceased during a press briefing Thursday.
“We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.
Roughly 5,400 members of the U.S. military are in Afghanistan aiding with the evacuation effort, with countless American citizens still in the country.
Kirby also said, “We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured.”
President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have all been briefed on the situation.
As of right now roughly 1,000 British troops are assisting with the situation.
CNBC reported, The U.S. Embassy in Kabul described the explosion as “large” and said there were reports of gunfire, urging Americans to avoid travel to the airport and its gates.
The embassy had previously issued a security alert urging
Americans to avoid the airport, “U.S. citizens who are at the Abbey Gate, East Gate, or North Gate now should leave immediately,” the alert said.
Right now the toll sits at 13 injuries and 15 deaths.