SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Twelve U.S. servicemen were killed and 15 wounded in suicide bombing attacks in Kabul on Thursday by Islamic State (ISIS) militants, the head of U.S. 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 U.S. airlift in Kabul will continue despite the attacks.
“Let me be clear. While we’re saddened by the loss of life, both U.S. 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 ISIS 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 ISIS gunmen then opened fire on civilians and military forces.
The U.S. airlift is scheduled to end on August 31 with a complete withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.
(Esta Media Network/AFP)
