Terror attack on Afghans waiting outside Kabul airport, another at hotel nearby; many casualties feared

The explosions have added to the chaotic situation already prevailing in the Afghanistan capital since the takeover of the Taliban on August 15.

<p>Image: Wounded women arrive at a hospital for treatment after two blasts, which killed at least five and wounded a dozen, outside the airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021. Photograph: Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images</p>

An unknown number of casualties have been reported from multiple blasts outside the Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport's Abbey Gate.

The casualty numbers are varying and hence remain unconfirmed. While the Taliban said that at least 13 people have been killed in the Kabul explosion, Russian foreign ministry said that at least 2 people killed and 15 wounded. 

United States authorities said that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of American and civilian casualties. 

The Americans also confirmed a second explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, which is a short distance from the Abbey Gate. 

<p>Image: A view after two explosions reported outside Hamid Karzai International Airport, the center of evacuation efforts from Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Photograph: Sayed Khodaiberdi Sadat/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</p>

According to media reports, around 60 wounded people had been brought to the emergency hospital in Kabul.

The explosions have added to the chaotic situation already prevailing in the Afghanistan capital since the takeover of the Taliban on August 15.

Thousands have been trying to flee the country ever since the Taliban showed up in the capital gates. With the evacuation process dreadfully slow, the Afghans have been left to fend for themselves outside the airport perimeter.

Afghan media outlet Tolo News reported citing eyewitesses that the explosion went off from within the crowd outside the airport.

<p>Image: Wounded women arrive at a hospital for treatment after two blasts, which killed at least five and wounded a dozen, outside the airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021. &nbsp;Photograph: Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images</p>

The US embassy in Kabul had been warning American citizens since last week to avoid the airport due to a potential terror threat. 

The second location where an explosion went off, the Baron Hotel, was frequented by westerners. 

Media reports said that countries like Poland, Belgium and Denmark were ending evacuations from Kabul. 

The US Embassy in Kabul has now advised the country's citizens against travelling to the airport and avoid airport gates at this time. 

In its appeal, the US embassy urged its citizens who are at the North Gate, Abbey Gate and East Gate to leave immediately.

<p>Image: A general view of the area after two explosions were&nbsp;reported outside Hamid Karzai International Airport, the centre of evacuation efforts from Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Photograph: Haroon Sabawoon/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</p>

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, or in short Taliban, released a statement condemning the attacks.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport took place in the zone, security of which was under US forces.

He further said that the the Islamic Emirate was paying close attention to the security and protection of the Afghan people.