• World leaders, Taliban condemn airport attacks, A-8
Condolences and condemnation poured in from world leaders following the twin blasts outside Kabul’s airport Thursday that left dozens dead or wounded. The Taliban, Afghanistan’s de facto rulers, has launched an investigation into the attack.
Gen. Frank McKenzie, chief of U.S. Central Command, said an Islamic State terrorist attack had killed 12 U.S. troops and wounded 15 more. Dozens of Afghan civilians appear to have been killed, other news outlets reported.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “cowardly and inhuman attacks” on Twitter, adding, “It is essential to do everything to ensure the safety of people at the airport.”
“The international community must work closely together to avoid a resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan and beyond,” she added.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed his anger and sorrow. “I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside #Kabul airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones,” he said on Twitter. “Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible.”
The United States and European allies had issued warnings in recent days about an attack targeting the airport, and the Biden administration had raised concerns about the threat posed by the Islamic State in Khorasan, or ISIS-K, the Syriabased militant group’s Afghanistan contingent.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s ambassador to Afghanistan would leave the country and work from Paris. He said in a statement Thursday evening France shares the grief of the victims’ families.
“This is a very difficult day, not just for Afghans but for people around the world, including in Canada, who have long been deeply committed to the Afghan people and a better future for Afghanistan,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters at a campaign event in Quebec City.
The foreign ministries of Pakistan, India and Turkey released statements extending condolences and condemning the attack.
“Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists,” the statement from India’s External Affairs Ministry said.