Filenews 28 August 2021
The U.S. yesterday launched a drone airstrike against a designer of Islamic State attacks in eastern Afghanistan, the military announced, a day after the suicide attack outside Kabul airport killed 13 U.S. soldiers and dozens of Afghan civilians.
President Joe Biden pledged Thursday that Washington would pursue those responsible for the terrorist attack and said he had ordered the Pentagon to draw up plans to strike at the perpetrators.
The U.S. Central Command said the airstrike took place in Gangahar province, east of Kabul. He did not specify whether the target was linked to the attack at the airport.
"The initial indications are that we killed the target. As far as we know there are no casualties among civilians," a U.S. military statement said.
The U.S. embassy in Kabul last Friday asked U.S. nationals to leave "immediately" the area around the Afghan capital's airport in a warning security message, the day after the attack that killed at least 85 people.
"American nationals who are currently at the Abby Gate, the East Gate, the North Gate or the New Home Office Portal should leave there immediately," the embassy said on its website, without giving further details.
A day before Thursday's attack, a similar warning had been issued.
"Due to security threats at Kabul airport, we continue to advise U.S. nationals to avoid going to the airport and avoid airport gates," the embassy stressed.
Earlier yesterday, U.S. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the operation to extricate people from Afghanistan through Kabul airport still faces "tangible and credible threats."
This security warning comes in the wake of the deadly attack, for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility. At least 85 people were killed in the terrorist attack, including 13 American soldiers.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said another attack is "possible," citing security experts.
Airlifts of people who want to leave Afghanistan continue through Kabul airport, just days before the August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from the country after 20 years of war.
Several thousand people are still fleeing to the airport in anticipation of boarding a plane, according to General Hank Taylor, who assured that evacuation operations will be done "until the last minute."
The gigantic human airlift operation has so far allowed the evacuation from Afghanistan of more than 100,000 foreigners and Afghans.
