Multiple rockets were fired towards Kabul’s international airport early on Monday, according to local media and US media outlets. According to Reuters, the rockets were intercepted by the US defence system.
TOLO news reported Six rockets fired from the Khair Khana area in Kabul and the five aimed toward Kabul airport and the Defense system intercepted.
The sixth one hit a residential building, TOLO News reported citing eyewitnesses.
There was no initial information on potential casualties or damage and it was not possible to verify whether the missiles had been fired from the vehicle.
Videos shared on social media showed a burning car, apparently hit by one of the rockets. The car’s remains were covered in debris and its tyres had melted.
US President Joe Biden was notified of the attack, according to White House spokesperson Jen Psaki. He was also informed that operations at the airport would continue without interruption.
“National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chief of Staff Ron Klain have briefed the President on the rocket attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The President was informed that operations continue uninterrupted at HKIA, and has reconfirmed his order that commanders redouble their efforts to prioritize doing whatever is necessary to protect our forces on the ground,” Psaki said in the statement.
Commanders at the airport are to increase their efforts to protect troops, according to President Biden.
Biden had warned on Sunday of possible further attacks around Kabul airport as Washington prepared to pull out its final troops.
The attack comes a day after the US forces launched a second drone attack in Afghanistan after Thursday’s suicide bombing at the airport that left nearly 200 people dead. At least 13 US troops were also among those killed.
(With inputs from agencies)
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