BREAKING | Explosion near Kabul airport amid evacuation

An explosion was reported near Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) while western countries continue to evacuate the country.

A large explosion near one of the three gates of the airport called the Abbey gate was heard on August 26, 2021. A second explosion was reported minutes later at the Baron Hotel, near the airport. 

The Press Secretary for the United States Department of Defense John Kirby defined the explosion at the airport gate as a "complex attack" that made an unknown number of US and civilian casualties.

We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.

— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021

For the past few days, western forces currently present in the airport have feared an attack of the Afghan-Pakistani branch of the Islamic State against the evacuating civilians and soldiers. 

Earlier on August 26, 2021, an Italian military transport plane came under fire as it flew out of Kabul airport.