A source from the Reuters agency says that the US air defense system repelled the attack, while the TOLO News chain maintains that projectiles fell in various parts of the Afghan capital.
Multiple rockets were fired at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, and were intercepted by a US anti-aircraft defense system, a US official told Reuters on Monday.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that up to 5 rockets were fired, although it was not clear if all were hit by the defense system. He added that initial reports did not indicate casualties among Americans, but that information could change.
Several missiles fired from a corolla car to different areas of Kabul city in the 11th security district of Kabul. pic.twitter.com/Q7uVdUwJ5P
— Sapna Madan / सपना मदान (@sapnamadan) August 30, 2021
5 rockets were fired at Kabul Airport. US military employed C-RAM missile defense and there are no casualties: US defense official.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) August 30, 2021
For their part, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain confirmed the rocket attack and reported it to President Joe Biden. They added that evacuation operations continue without interruption.
As stated witnesses to the channel TOLOnews, rockets were fired from a car in Khair Khana area of the airport. Residents who live near the facilities detailed that on Monday morning they heard the sound of the activation of the defensive system and added that smoke could be seen rising near the airfield, reports AFP.
Meanwhile, in the images, posted on social media by Kabul residents, objects can be seen burning in the streets of the capital.
Three missiles hit an area near Kabul airport half an hour ago, no casualties have been reported so far.
— Sohail Noor Khan (@sohailnoorkhan) August 30, 2021
We ask the people of the world not to destroy dear Kabul#SaveAfghanistan pic.twitter.com/3B2L9UmXpD
Islamic State attack
Two explosions occurred last Thursday in the vicinity of the Kabul airport, where efforts are underway to evacuate thousands of people following the Taliban’s seizure of power in Afghanistan *. At least 170 people were killed and dozens injured in the attack, carried out by two suicide bombers. According to the Pentagon, among the victims there are 13 dead US troops and 15 wounded.
Soon after, the Islamic State of Greater Khorasan, the local branch of IS and ” sworn enemy of the Taliban”, claimed responsibility for the attacks.
For his part, US President Joe Biden promised to avenge the attacks and said he ordered “the development of operational plans to attack the assets, leadership and facilities” of the terrorist movement.