Taliban horror: Death toll in Kabul rises to 90 - Biden references 'deal' Trump made

JOE BIDEN said he bears responsibility for recent events in Afghanistan, but added: "You know as well as I do that the former President made a deal with the Taliban."

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Afghanistan: Plane takes off after explosion at Kabul Aiport

The 46th President told journalists at his White House press conference, Donald Trump had already committed the US to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan. The confirmed number of US troops killed in a suicide bomb attack at Kabul Airport on Thursday has risen to 13. The overall figure is a horrifying 85, meaning at least 72 civilians have been killed. When asked if he should take responsibility for events in Kabul in recent weeks, the 78-year-old: "I bear responsibility for fundamentally all that's happened of late.

"But here's the deal, you know - and I wish one day you'd say these things - you know as well as I do that the former President made a deal with the Taliban."

President Biden highlighted how Donald Trump had agreed to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan on May 1.

He added: "In return, he was given the commitment that the Taliban would continue to attack others but would not attack any American forces."

Biden's comments follow on from a suicide bomb attack on the eastern gate of Kabul airport.

This alarming escalation comes as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns time is running out to evacuate the thousands of eligible vulnerable Afghans stuck outside the Kabul airport gates fearing for their lives. Mr Johnson promised that in the remaining hours UK forces will "do everything we can to get everybody else". 

Meanwhile, ISIS-K, a local branch of the notorious global terrorism organisation, is amassing thousands of fighters to topple the "liberal" Taliban - and they will target Westerners to do it.

Founded in 2015, ISIS-K's aim is to establish an Islamic caliphate across Khorasan - a region covering Pakistan and Afghanistan and parts of central Asia.

Its fighters - who view the Taliban as too liberal - are thought to number up to 2,200, but this figure could rise dramatically amid political uncertainty.

There are now concerns from the Western superpowers that ISIS-K will launch a wave of terror attacks in an attempt to destabilise the Taliban's efforts to form a government, with potential evacuees representing high profile targets.

In a statement released last night, the UK Foreign Office warned UK nationals not to travel to Kabul airport amid a rapidly escalating terrorism threat and unstable security situation.

The guidance now advises anyone in the area to "move away to a safe location and await further advice".

Armed forces minister James Heappey described the terror threat to people outside Kabul airport as "lethal" amid concerns over an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan, ISIS-K.

He told BBC Breakfast: "I can't stress the desperation of the situation enough, the threat is credible, it is imminent, it is lethal.

"And we wouldn't be saying this if we weren't genuinely concerned about offering Islamic State a target."

READ MORE: Kabul Airport attack 'within hours' as UK Minister warns to stay away

Taliban LIVE: Explosion at Kabul airport- Pentagon confirms suicide bomb injured US troops

Taliban LIVE: Explosion at Kabul airport- Pentagon confirms suicide bomb injured US troops (Image: SKY NEWS )

Taliban LIVE: Chilling warning 2,200 ISIS-K fighters amass

Taliban LIVE: Chilling warning 2,200 ISIS-K fighters amass (Image: GETTY)

Australia and the US have also issued alerts, telling everyone outside the airport to leave immediately.

With the withdrawal deadline looming, August 31, the terror threat poses a serious challenge to the evacuation goals of the West.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the US President said: "Every day we're on the ground is another day we know that ISIS-K is seeking to target the airport and attack both US and allied forces and innocent civilians."

Kabul airport is currently being held by the US military, which has 5,800 troops on the ground organising the evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghans at risk of being tortured or killed by the Taliban or other militant groups.

ISIS-K, who also train child soldiers known as the "cubs of the caliphates", have carried out a string of high-profile terror attacks in their region and will be aware their window of opportunity to strike the West in Afghanistan is closing.


Addtional reporting by Allegra Goodwin and Jack Walters.

Injured people loaded into ambulance van near Kabul Airport

08:18 Top stories from World News:

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Joe Biden has received ‘well-earned hammering’ for Afghanistan debacle, says commentator

‘Could bring down Biden’ Piers Morgan warns Afghanistan crisis ‘nightmare everyone feared'

08:15 90 confirmed dead in ISIS terror attack outside Kabul airport

The attack outside the south gate of the airport killed 90 people, including children and 13 US military personnel.

At least 150 people were also injured in the attack which ISIS splinter group ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for.

05:27 Joe Biden has received ‘well-earned hammering’ for Afghanistan debacle, says commentator

President Biden has received a "well-earned hammering" for his handling of the Afghanistan crisis, a political commentator has said.

Mr Biden, 78, joined G7 world leaders on Tuesday to discuss a host of issues related to the failed state of Afghanistan as the US scrambles to evacuate the last of its personnel before the August 31 deadline.

Simon Dolan, political commentator and author of Trump: The Hidden Halo, told Express.co.uk failures of the G7 to achieve its agenda will threaten the West.

He said: “G7 leaders have failed to convince US President Joe Biden to extend the deadline for the Afghanistan evacuation mission."

04:03 Afghan describes 'doomsday' scenes of devastation after Kabul blast

Survivors of the bomb blasts at Kabul airport have described apocalyptical scenes of destruction and human suffering.

One man witnessed horrifying scenes of body parts flying in the air "like a tornado taking plastic bags".

On Thursday, two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of people attempting to reach Kabul's international airport.

The devastating attacks killed at least 60 Afghans and 12 US troops, according to officials.

Many others have been injured and left traumatised by the horrific events.

02:53 UN tells stranded local staff to 'stay calm' in any encounters with Taliban

The United Nations has told its Afghan employees that they should "stay calm" and "be polite" in the event they are found by the Taliban.

It comes amid reports of a number of violent incidents and threats made against UN workers since the jihadists swept back to power.

The international organisation has operated in Afghanistan since 2002, employing around 700 international staff members along with 3,000 Afghan nationals.

While international staff have been evacuated, no plans seem to have been made for local staff, whose fates now lie at the mercy of the militants.

01:35 Melania and Donald Trump express 'deepest condolences' for US troops killed in Kabul

Melania and Donald Trump expressed their "deepest condolences" to the families of US service personnel who were killed in Thursday's bomb attacks at Kabul airport.

Suicide bombers targeted civilians and US troops at the city's international airport, leading to carnage and devastation.

At least 12 US service members, which included 11 Marines and one Navy medic, died in the attacks, according to the Pentagon.

The Afghan health ministry also confirmed to CNN that up to 60 civilians perished in the blasts, with many more injured.

00:01 Taliban chief speaks out after deadly ISIS terror attacks strike Kabul

The Taliban has claimed it "warned the foreign forces the repercussions of the large gathering at Kabul airport," a spokesman for the Taliban's political office has said in the wake of two deadly suicide bomb blasts which have killed at least 60 people - including 12 US marines.

And a US military commander has warned more attacks were highly likely - while US President Joe Biden vowed to “hunt down” those responsible.

Mohammad Naeem told Al Jazeera TV on the gathering of a large number of people prevented adequate security measures from being taken.

The explosions, swiftly claimed by Islamic State, left a further 15 marines injured, a top US general said, adding that American forces anticipated more attacks even as evacuations continued from Afghanistan.

22:54 Planned attacks by ISIS-K the reason to ‘limit the duration of this mission’ says Biden

Joe Biden has said today that he has been “so determined to limit the duration” of the US withdrawal mission from Afghanistan because of a series of planned attacks on US personnel. 

Mr Biden said: “We have been made aware via our intelligence community that the ISIS-K, an arch enemy of the Taliban, has been planning a complex set of attacks on United States personnel and others.” 

In closing remarks in his speech at the White House, the President added: “It is time to end a 20-year war.” 

22:50 Biden issues warning to ISIS-K

US President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to ISIS-K after today’s attacks. 

The President said: “To those who carried out this attack as well as anyone who wishes America harm know this: we will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay. I will defend our interests and our people with every measure at my command.”

22:42 Biden has asked for plans to strike ISIS-K

US President Joe Biden has made it clear the US will strike back against ISIS-K after the twin explosions in the Afghanistan capital today. 

“We will respond with force and precision at our time, in the place we choose, at the moment of our choosing,” said Mr Biden, in a speech made from the White House today. 

Taliban LIVE: 12 US troops killed as 'third explosion' heard in 'barbaric' Kabul scenes

President Biden gave remarks on the Kabul bombings at the White House today (Image: The White House )

22:39 Biden says he understands troops’ mourning families’ pain

Joe Biden has said that he and his wife have empathy and understanding for the families of the US military personnel who died today in Afghanistan. 

“Jill and I, our hearts ache for all those Afghans who lost families,” the US President said. 

“We are outraged as well as heartbroken,” he added. 

Mr Biden then spoke about how his own son had died of brain cancer after serving in Iraq, and said: 

“We have some sense like many of you do, what the families are feeling today.” 

He added it felt like “a black hole” to lose a child like that. 

22:34 Biden deems killed US troops ‘heroes’

US President Joe Biden has praised the 12 US troops who lost their lives today in ISIS bombings in Kabul. 

“These American service members who gave their own lives were heroes, heroes engaged in a selfless mission to save the lives of others,” Mr Biden said at a White House briefing. 

He added the fallen troops were the “backbone of America…the spine of America, the best the country has to offer.” 

22:15 Biden’s speech delayed

US President Joe Biden was due to deliver a speech on the Kabul terror attacks at 10pm this evening, but it has been delayed. 

No reason has been given as yet for the delay. 

21:49 Mitch McConnell says US troops deaths are ‘sickening and enraging’

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has called the deaths of 12 US troops in Afghanistan today “sickening and enraging.” 

Mr McConnell went on to say: “We need to redouble our global efforts to confront these barbarian enemies who want to kill Americans and attack our homeland.”

21:43 Kabul local says he is “completely broken” after explosions

A local man in Kabul has said he feels “completely broken” after hearing the fatal explosions in the capital today. 

He said he could hear the explosions from his home, which was not far from Hamid Karzai International Airport.

The 29-year-old student said: "I don't want to go out (of my home) any more

"I just (wanted) to bring something for dinner after the first two blasts.

"I'm completely broken. Bored of life. Not just today but since Taliban take over."

21:37 Kabul explosions are ‘what defeat looks like’ says Tory MP

Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat has said the explosions that have killed at least 60 people in Afghanistan today are “what defeat looks like.” 

Mr Tunghendhat chairs the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and said the West now has no say over the future of Afghanistan. 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said: "This is what defeat looks like.

"Defeat is when you don't control any of the process anymore and if you are lucky you just about get out with your lives and a bit of your equipment and that's what we are doing at the moment.

"We don't have any control, we don't have any say. It's a defeat."

Mr Tugendhat is a former Territorial Army soldier who served in Afghanistan. He said the latest developments were “a complete failure to believe in the principles we claim to advocate".

"We haven't invested significantly in our defence for many years, we haven't invested significantly in our foreign policy for many years and we are surprised when organisations like the Taliban defeat us in Afghanistan or countries like China outwit us in diplomacy in Africa," he said.

"But I am afraid that is the result of decisions we have taken and are taking even today.” 

The Taliban has condemned the attack, which has now been claimed by ISIS, but Mr Tugendhat dismissed suggestions the Taliban were now on the same side as coalition troops, saying: "This is an organisation that has been hosted by the Taliban in various different ways, they are now complaining that the dog they taught to bite is biting."

He said Islamic State and the Taliban had "housed and husbanded each other" in various ways for many years.

"(The Taliban) is an organisation that when it was in government didn't give a damn about the people it was supposed to be governing, didn't do anything for their education or economic development," he said.

"I have to say I am extremely doubtful that these people are going to become rational governing party,” he added. 

21:19 Dozens of bodies can be seen outside airport

Videos are circulating on social media of bodies on the ground at Kabul Airport, following multiple suicide bombings in Afghanistan’s capital today.

Thousands of Afghans have thronged the airport this past week, attempting to flee the country after the Taliban took over. 

At least 60 are now dead due to twin attacks by ISIS. 

21:13 Explosions heard in Kabul Airport may carried out by US forces, say Taliban

A Taliban spokesperson has said explosions heard in Kabul airport this evening were the sounds of American forces destroying their equipment. 

21:06 Afghanistan update

Senior Correspondent at The National, has given an update on the unfolding situation in Kabul on Twitter. 

20:45 FOURTH explosion heard

A fourth blast has been heard in Kabul, BBC Persian journalist Ali Hussaini has reported. 

20:42 BREAKING: ISIS claims responsibility for twin explosions

ISIS has claimed responsibility for two blasts at Kabul airport today which have killed at least 60 people. 

20:36 US refuse to confirm reports of more attacks

US General Kenneth F. McKenzie would not confirm reports of a third attack in Kabul today. 

He said: “I cannot confirm there have been other attacks away from Hamid Karzai airport today.” 

20:21 ‘Expect attacks to continue’

US military commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie has confirmed he expects attacks in Afghanistan to continue. 

“Right now our focus is on other extremely active threats against the airfield," he added.  

20:15 US military commander confirms 12 US troops dead

US General Frank McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, has confirmed 12 US troops have died after two suicide bombers believed to be from Islamic State carried out a bombing in Afghanistan today. 

He told a Pentagon briefing a gunfight followed the bombing, and that, while the military is saddened bt the deaths, evacuations are continuing. 

15 other troops had been injured, he added. 

20:11 Death toll: at least 60

At least 60 Afghan civilians have been killed in today’s blasts, the Afghan health ministry has confirmed. 

The ministry also confirmed at least 140 people had been wounded. 

19:50 Witnesses to Kabul bombings speak out

Witnesses to the explosions in the crowds outside Kabul airport today have told of the horrific scenes at the gates as the bombs were detonated. 

The witness, who gave his name as Jamshed, said he went to the airport to get a visa for the US. 

He went on: "There was a very strong and powerful suicide attack, in the middle of the people. Many were killed, including Americans.” 

A 24-year-old engineer named Zubair, who had been trying to enter the airport for almost a week with a cousin who had the papers required to travel back to the US, said he was 50 metres from the first of two suicide bombers who detonated explosives. 

He said: "Men, women and children were screaming. I saw many injured people  men, women and children  being loaded into private vehicles and taken toward the hospitals.” 

19:39 US death toll reaches 12

11 US Marines and a Navy medic have been killed in the explosions in Afghanistan today, according to Joyce Karam, Senior Correspondent at The National News. 

19:26 BREAKING: Possible third explosion in Kabul

Afghan local media are now reporting a third explosion near Kabul airport, following the two suspected suicide bombings that have already occurred today. 

19:24 At least 10 US service members killed outside Kabul Airport, Fox News anchor says

Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier has tweeted that at least 10 US service members have been killed outside the airport in Kabul today. 

19:17 Presence of foreign forces to blame for Kabul blast, says Taliban

A Taliban official has blamed today’s explosion at Kabul airport on the presence of US forces, according to a Turkish TV channel. 

"As soon as the airport situation is figured out and the foreign forces leave, we will not have such attacks anymore. It is because of the presence of foreign forces that such attacks take place," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a member of the Taliban's cultural commission, told Turkey's Haberturk TV.

19:08 German evacuation mission end

Germany’s evacuation has ended as the last of the German military aircrafts and troops have landed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel previously said those who have not yet been evacuated will not be forgotten by the German government. 

18:55 VIDEO: new footage from Kabul Airport

In new footage from Kabul airport Afghans can be heard screaming at the gates of Kabul airport. 

18:29 ‘A number’ of US military personnel killed in bombings, says Pentagon

The US Press Secretary John Kirby has said that a “number” of US military personal were killed in the Kabul airport attack today.

He said in a statement: "We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured."

18:11 Four US Marines killed in Afghanistan

The US ambassador to Kabul has told staff four US Marines were killed in the explosions at Kabul airport today. 

Three US Marines were also reportedly wounded. 

18:02 Boris Johnson confirms UK will continue evacuations despite attack

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK’s evacuation effort in Kabul will continue despite the “barbaric” terrorist attack at the city’s airport today. 

17:52 UK warns airlines to avoid flying over Afghanistan

Britain has issued a warning to airlines to avoid flying below 25,000 feet over Afghanistan after the Kabul airport attack.

Transport minister Grant Shapps said: "Following the shocking scenes in Afghanistan today, I have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Aviation) further advising airlines to avoid Afghan airspace under 25,000ft.

"We will continue to keep this under review."

Taliban LIVE: TWO explosions in Kabul – many dead including children, US troops injured

Britain has issued a warning to airlines not to fly below 25,000 feet over Afghanistan (Image: GETTY)

17:46 BREAKING: Taliban condemn Kabul bombings

The Taliban have condemned the bombings outside Kabul airport, and said they happened in an area controlled by US forces.

17:42 Kabul blast death toll: 13

At least 13 people have now been confirmed dead after a horrific explosion rocked Afghanistan’s capital today. 

17:36 ‘Their blood will be on your hands’ Trudeau faces Afghanistan fallout

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing questions over how his Liberal government has dealt with the unfolding situation in Kabul this month. 

Mr Trudeau recently called a snap election to benefit from his handling of the Covid pandemic, but is set to receive backlash after he halted evacuations of its citizens and vulnerable Afghans who had worked for Western nations. 

Days before Kabul fell to the Taliban, Canada said it had identified 6,000 Afghans for evacuation, but in the end only 3,700 Canadian citizens and Afghans were flown out, with Canada admitting it did not know how many were left behind. 

Trudeau, who has governed Canada for almost six years, has been asked about Afghanistan on every day of his campaign so far. 

Last week, a reporter read out a message from a person with relatives trapped in Afghanistan who told the Prime Minister “there blood will be on your hands” if any of them were killed by the Taliban. 

Mr Trudeau side-stepped the comment, saying: "I can't imagine, the despair, the anguish that so many individuals are facing...

"this is a horrific situation."

17:16 Labour MP and Afghanistan veteran Dan Jarvis said Kabul explosion “devastating but not surprising”

Barnsley Central MP and Afghanistan veteran Dan Jarvis said the deadly blast outside Kabul airport today “underscores the extremely dangerous conditions that our service personnel and diplomatic staff are operating under and the huge security challenges to come.” 

"The immediate priority will be to assess the risk of further attacks and what impact this will have on the ongoing evacuation operation," he added. 

"It also reinforces the need for UK contingency plans to receive and process entitled personnel in neighbouring countries." 

17:11 Israel and US meeting delayed over Afghan chaos

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s meeting with U.S President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday has been delayed due to the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan, Israel’s Army Radio reported.

17:06 Tory MP says Kabul attack shows “horror of Taliban rule”

Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat has said today’s explosion in Kabul has demonstrated the "horror of Taliban rule.”

In a tweet Mr Tugendhat, who served in Afghanistan and is the chairman of the Commons Foreign Affair Select Committee, said: "The attack on innocent people at Kabul airport simply trying to escape the horror of Taliban rule shows exactly who the group has brought with them.

"The pattern is well established - from Nigeria and Mali to Syria and Iraq, whenever Islamist extremists take power, terror follows."


17:01 Macron cannot guarantee successful evacuations to France

French President Emmanuel Macron has said talks with the Taliban are underway as buses full of French citizens and people France wants to protect are waiting at the entrance to Kabul airport. 

Speaking at a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Mr Macron said he could not guarantee France would be successful in evacuating people. 

16:52 Who are ISIS-K?

Concern is growing over the affiliate of the so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan, Isis-K, with the group believed to be behind the attacks outside Kabul Airport today. 

But who are Isis-K? 

The branch of the so-called Islamic State was founded in 2015 in the Khorason region, which historically covers areas of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

It was originally formed by militants from Pakistan and disaffected Taliban members and operates mainly from the north and east of Afghanistan, nearby to capital Kabul. 

A report by the UN Security Council suggested there were between 1,000 and 2,000 Isis-K fighters, which has fallen from a peak of 5,000 and 6,000 in 2016. 

However their ranks may have swelled in recent weeks as the Taliban takeover saw prisoners freed across Afganistan. 

What is Isis-K’s relationship with the Taliban and al Qaida? 

Isis-K is hostile towards the Taliban due to its more extreme version of Islam and the two groups have previously fought over control of territory in Afghanistan. 

It was reported that the Taliban recently executed a senior Isis-K commander who had been imprisoned in Kabul. 

This conflict between the groups means Isis-K is less likely to follow the Taliban’s agreement to allow Western forces to continue evacuations from Kabul airport. 

The relationship between Isis-K and al Qaida is also expected to be fraught despite their sharing similar beliefs. 

What threat does Isis-K pose? 

Isis-K has carried out a number of high-profile attacks in recent years. It is believed to have carried out a devastating attack on a maternity hospital in Kabul in May 2020, which killed 24 people including newborn babies and mothers. 

It also claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Kabul, including an assault on the city’s university last November and an attack on Jalalabad prison last August. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the threat of an Isis-K attack as “a very real possibility.” 

16:37 At least six dead in Kabul blast as 60 wounded rushed to hospital

According to Wall Street Journal Afghanistan correspondent Ehsanullah Amiri, six people involved in the explosions at Kabul Airport were dead on arrival at the city’s emergency hospital. 

He added at least 60 wounded people had arrived at the hospital so far. 

16:34 Macron to coordinate with US over Kabul blast

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will coordinate with “our American allies” to respond to the recent explosions in Afghanistan. 

Mr Macron spoke on a bilateral visit to Dublin and said: As we speak in front of you, the situation is worsening around the the military airport.

"We are being confronted with a very tense situation, which leads us to co-ordinate with our American allies.

"We will also closely co-ordinate on the issues to be dealt with in the near future, military co-operation, migration issues and co-operate with the UN Security Council, because in the coming days and weeks we will have to define the course of the mandate of the United Nations.

"The coming hours will remain extremely dangerous in Kabul and around the airport."

16:29 Officials ‘do not think’ there were any British casualties

Officials do not think there were any UK casualties, military or civilian, in the Kabul explosion. 

16:25 ‘Unknown number’ killed in Kabul blast

The number of people killed in at at least two explosions outside Kabul Airport today is so far unconfirmed. 

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the blast which occurred near the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai Interntational Aiport had “resulted in an unknown number of casualties.” 

He went on to confirm at least one other explosion near the Baron Hotel. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the attacks in the capital had killed at least 13 people and wounded 15. 

16:15 Pentagon update: ‘complex attack that resulted in a number of casualties.’

The Pentagon has confirmed the explosion at Abbey Gate in Kabul was the result of a “complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties."

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby also confirmed there has been “at least one other explosion” at or near the Baron Hotel, a hotel frequented by many Britons. 

16:11 Photos from Kabul airport show explosion victims covered in blood

Images of people injured in the explosion in Kabul have been shared to social media. 

They appear to show injured people walking away from the scene, with their clothes stained with blood. 

16:06 Kabul explosion MAP

This map shows where the explosion took place at Kabul airport, Afghanistan, today. 


A map showing the location of the explosion at Kabul airport (Image: SKY NEWS )

16:02 Boris Johnson to chair emergency Cobra meeting

The Prime Minister has been briefed on the unfolding situation at Kabul Airport and will chair an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon, Downing Street has said.

15:45 Chaotic scenes at Kabul airport in PHOTOS

Horrific images posted to social media by those on the ground at Kabul airport appear to show people injured by the suicide bomb being taken away in wheelbarrows. 

15:40 Pen Farthing targeted by gunman

Pen Farthing, a former Royal Marine who was nearby when the explosion ripped through Kabul Airport has said his vehicle was targeted by a gunman amid the chaos. 

Mr Farthing is aiming to get 200 rescued dogs and cats out of the country along with the staff from his animal shelter. 

He was outside the airport in a car when the explosion occurred, and said: "We're fine but everything is chaos here at the moment.


"We've been in the airport, and back out of the airport; the whole thing's a mess.

"There's not much more I can say at the moment, I need to make sure the animals and everyone is safe."

15:28 British MPs react to Kabul explosion

MPs have reacted after a suicide bombing took place at Kabul Airport this afternoon.

It occurred after armed forces minister James Heappey warned there was “very credible reporting” of an “imminent” and “severe” threat to the airport, where evacuation efforts have been ongoing. 

He had urged people to move away from the airport amid concerns over an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan, known as Isis-K. 

Tory MP Nus Ghani said she was on the phone to somebody on the ground at Kabul airport when the explosion took place. 

The MP for Wealden tweeted: "Explosion at Kabul airport. I was on the phone to an Afghan outside the airport when he heard the explosion.

"Praying that he gets away safely and we get his family safe passage out of this nightmare."

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns also reacted to the news, saying there had been “many hurt” in an attack at the Baron Hotel, where Britons and Afghans waiting for repatriation were being processed. 

"A bomb or attack with gun fire at northern gate of Baron's Hotel. Worried this will devastate evacuation - so many hurt. My heart is with all those injured and killed," she said.

15:17 Marines injured in Kabul explosion

According to US sources, US Marines have been injured in the explosion at Kabul Airport, a Wall Street Journal reporter has said. 

15:16 Ministry of Defence ‘working urgently to establish what has happened in Kabul’

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed it is “working urgently to establish what has happened in Kabul,” and what the impact will be on the ongoing evacuation effort.

15:00 Pentagon confirm explosion was suicide bomb

The Pentagon has now confirmed the explosion at Kabul airport was a suicide bomb.

It comes hours after western intelligence warned of an iminent threat. 

14:57 Reports explosion happened near a hotel opposite airport used by Britons

Wall Street Journal journalist Dion Nissenbaum has reported the explosion appears to have occured near a hotel frequented by Britons.

Mr Nissenbaum tweeted: "Explosion appears to have happened near Baron Hotel across from Kabul airport.

"Baron was used largely by Brits.

"Many injured."

14:49 Pentagon confirms explosion at Kabul airport

John Kirby, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, has confirmed there was an explosion outside Kabul airport. 

Mr Kirby said the number of casualties were unclear amid reports of an ongoing gun battle. 

14:35 Explosion and gunfire reported at airport

An explosion and ongoing gunfire has been reported at Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan by Wall Street Journal reporter Dion Nissenbaum.

14:17 'We will stay until the end of the mission' US confirms as countries abandon evacuation efforts

John Kirby, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, has confirmed that the US will continue to evacuate as many eligible Afghans as possible until the end of their mission. 

The deadline for troops to withdraw from Afghanistan is in five days, August 31, with the Taliban rejecting any possibility of an extension. 

Mr Kirby's confirmation comes as several countries - including Canada, Belgium, Denmark and Poland - withdraw troops early, citing terrorism threats. 

In a tweet, Mr Kirby wrote: "Evacuation operations in Kabul will not be wrapping up in 36 hours.

"We will continue to evacuate as many people as we can until the end of the mission."

14:03 Canada ends evacuation efforts amid terror threat

Canada has confirmed it has stopped its evacuation efforts today, five days before the official withdrawal deadline August 31.

Canada successfully helped 3,700 people flee Taliban rule.

General Wayne Eyre, acting chief of defence, said today that all countries will be asked to depart Afghanistan before the US can wrap up its mission.

He said: "We stayed in Afghanistan for as long as we could.

"We were amongst the last to cease evacuation operations.


"That we could not is truly heart breaking, but the circumstances on the ground rapidly deteriorated."

14:02 Shots fired as Italian military aircraft departing Kabul

Shots were fired at Kabul airport as an Italian military aircraft departed Taliban occupied Afghanistan, a source at Italy's Defence Ministry said. 

Reports of shots fired at a plane which were later clarified to say the shots were used as a dispersal method and not a direct attack on the aircraft.

An Italian journalist traveling on the flight told Sky 24 TG that the plane had been carrying almost 100 Afghan civilians when the gunfire began minutes after take off.

The plane was not believed to have sustained damage in the incident. 

13:24 Ben Wallace rages at Pen Farthing 'myths' on Twitter

The defence secretary has shared a furious rebuttal to claims the government blocked a flight chartered for ex-Royal Marine turned animal charity boss Pen Farthing.

Mr Farthing, who runs an animal welfare charity in Kabul, has been trying to evacuate his 68 staff members and 173 animals from Afghanistan to safety in the UK.

The privately funded plane is due to land on Friday but Mr Farthing said he was not being allowed into the airport.

The campaign to get Pen, along with animals and staff, out of Kabul has become known as Operation Ark.

There had been criticism about prioritising animals over people, but approval was given for the flight.

In a lengthy Twitter thread, Mr Wallace said claims the flight was blocked are a "total myth and is being peddled around as if that is why the pet evacuation hasn't taken place".

13:15 Qatar has received 40,000 evacuees in 12 days

Qatar has received 40,000 evacuees in the last 12 days since the Taliban declared victory in Afghanistan. 

Most of those people are transiting in the capital Doha and the majority have been through the US processing area of Al Udeid airbase.

Reports have described the conditions as unsanitary and deeply unpleasant with one bathroom for thousands of people and the site constantly overwhelmed.

12:59 Afghan man convicted in France days after he was evacuated from Kabul

An Afghan refugee has been given a 10-month suspended jail sentence by a French court mere days after being evacuated from Kabul for violating the terms of a surveillance order.

The man is one of five people who were placed under surveillance on arrival in France as part of an investigation into links with the Taliban.

One of these individuals is suspected of working for the Taliban - despite helping France evacuate nationals and Afghans in danger.

He and four others deemed close to him were placed under surveillance earlier this week.

The individual who has been convicted had been ordered not to leave Paris suburb Noisy-le-Grand but he left zone and was quickly arrested. 

He told the court he wanted to buy medicine because he suffered from headaches and vomiting after arriving in France.

He claimed he followed a man living in the same hotel who offered to buy him these medicines, without realising that he was going to central Paris.

12:42 Afghan airline sends planes with no passengers to Iran

Afghanistan's privately owned Kam Air has sent several of its planes to neighbouring Iran with no passengers aboard, an Iranian official said today.

"The owners of Afganistan's Kam Air requested to move a number of their passenger planes to Iranian airports following the intensified fights and tensions in Kabul airport," state media quoted Civil Aviation Organisation spokesman Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh as saying.

Mr Zibakhsh said Tehran had issued a landing permit for these planes "in line with its goals of interaction with neighboring countries".

The United States and allies are hurrying to evacuate thousands of foreigners and Afghans who helped Western countries during the 20-year war against the Taliban before the August 31 deadline.

Multiple countries including Poland and Belgium have suspended their evacuation efforts over an "imminent" terror threat from ISIS-K. 

The owner of Kam Air moved the planes to protect them from the expected chaos at the airport.

12:29 Boris promises August 31 will not be the end of UK help to Afghanistan

Boris Johnson has promised that August 31 will not mark the end of the UK's commitment to helping those who wish to flee Taliban-held Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said that although the "lion's share" of eligible people had now been removed from the country, he recognised "there will be people who still need help".

Asked whether this would be challenging amid reports of the Taliban blocking the roads, Mr Johnson said: "What we're hoping, and this is the key point that the G7 agreed, is that the Taliban understand that if they want to engage with development aid, they want to unlock those billions of funds, they want to have a diplomatic, political relationship with the outside world, then the safe passage for those who want to come out is the key precondition."

12:14 'Overwhelming majority' of eligible Afghans evacuated from Kabul, said Boris Johnson

The "overwhelming majority" of people eligible for evacuation from Kabul airport are now safely out of Afghanistan, according to Boris Johnson. 

Around 15,000 people have already been evacuated by British troops, the Prime Minister said, but admitted the time remaining to airlift remaining vulnerable Afghans to safety is "quite short".

"In the time we have left, which may be - as I am sure everybody can appreciate - quite short, we will do everything we can to get everybody else," he added. 

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Boris visited Northwood HQ today to meet personnel working on the UK operation in Afghanistan (Image: GETTY)

12:06 Russia has not recognised the Taliban as the legitimate leaders of Afghanistan

Russia has not yet formally recognised the Taliban as the legitimate leaders of Afghanistan, a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin said.

Moscow will see how the hard-line Islamists act toward the Afghan population and Russian diplomats before making a decision on the matter.

The spokesperson insisted that Russia is interested in peace and stability and said they would continue contact with the US on developing issues in the region.

This stance echoes that of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who said he would judge the Taliban on their "actions not words" after the militant group said they posed no threat. 

11:52 Afghan journalist beaten by Taliban

An Afghan journalist claims he was "suddenly attacked" by the Taliban while reporting on the rise in unemployment in Kabul.

Ziar Khan Yaad said: "I was beaten by the Taliban in Kabul's New City while reporting.

"Cameras, technical equipment and my personal mobile phone have also been hijacked.

"Some people have spread the news of my death which is false.

"The Taliban got out of an armored Land Cruiser and hit me at gunpoint.

"I still don't know why they behaved like that and suddenly attacked me.


There have been repeated reports of attacks on journalists since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on 15 August.

11:44 Afghan refugees receive 'avalanche of love' upon arrival in the UK

Afghan families arriving in the UK from Taliban held Afghanistan are being welcomed by an "avalanche of love" from the public, says a leading charity. 

British Red Cross teams are supporting hundreds of families, some said to be "incredibly traumatised" and in need of emotional support.

Basic items including warm clothes and hygiene kits are being given to the refugees on arrival by charity staff and volunteers.

Edmore Hute, the charity's refugee support manager, said: "There's hundreds of people who have arrived with their families fresh from a harrowing journey, leaving behind homes and loved ones in uncertainty.

"First and foremost, we are providing kindness and reassurance that they are in a safe place.

"This is vital, especially in these first days.

"Thanks to the British public for the avalanche of love, warmth and support that the evacuees have been reporting to us."

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Staff and volunteers are providing kindness and reassurance that the refugees are in a safe place (Image: GETTY)

11:28 Taliban now working WITH America and UK as fears of brutal ISIS-K caliphate explode

The Taliban is now "working" with US and UK forces following intelligence reports Kabul Airport is under threat from an ISIS-K terror attack.

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey today warned a terror attack could happen "within hours" of his morning media round.

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, who was shot by Al-Qaeda in 2004, said he "never thought it was possible" that the UK, US and the Taliban may join up for future intelligence projects. 

Speaking on BBC News, Mr Gardner gave a brief description of the new ISIS-K.

He explained: "Well if you thought that the Taliban were extreme, they are nothing compared to the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan which calls itself ISIS-K.

"They've got a relatively small number of people but last year alone in Kabul they carried out 24 attacks, they are absolutely ruthless and they have targeted girls' schools, hospitals, all sorts of civilian targets.

"The threats reported is that they are looking to cause chaos at the airport because there are around 6,000+ US and British soldiers operating at the airport."

10:40 Taliban captures more than 100 military helicopters

More footage has emerged showing the Taliban with captured military helicopters. 

The hard-line Islamists are believed to have siezed more than 100 aircrafts from different nations. 

A fleet of 100 Russian-made Mi-17 transport aircrafts, believed to be in various states of operability, are now in the hands of the Taliban, according to the head of a Russian state arms exporter.

This announcement comes a day after a video of the Taliban flying a captured US military helicopter began circulating on social media. 

The latest footage comes after dozens of photos were released of Taliban fighters posing with sophisticated American weaponry.

More videos, believed to be taken as the hard-line Islamists made their way to Kabul, showed the advancing insurgents inspecting long lines of vehicles and opening crates of new firearms, communications gear and even military drones.

The stolen military gear, weapons and vehicles are estimated to be worth in excess of £13billion.

"Everything that hasn't been destroyed is the Taliban's now," said one US official speaking on the condition of anonymity.

10:31 Pen Farthing makes direct plea to Taliban

The ex-marine turned animal charity boss has been trying to get his team and 200 animals out of Kabul on a chartered flight paid for by donations - but cannot get into the airport.

Mr Farthing is believed to be stuck at the airport gates with his staff and 173 rescued animals waiting for a flight home.

He told The Sun his animals would bake to death in their travel crates if they were not evacuated soon.

Amid reports he has been stopped by the Taliban he has made a direct plea to its spokesman on Twitter:

10:16 Denmark and Belgium STOP evacuations

Denmark and Belgium have stopped their evacuation efforts in Afghanistan amid an "imminent" terrorism threat.

Danish defence minister Trine Bramsen said it was no longer safe to fly in or out of Kabul. 

The final Danish and Belgian flights have already left Afghanistan.

Poland has also announced they will also be ceasing evacuations later today, with prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki telling a news conference: "The evacuation action from Afghanistan ends today."

10:00 US military successfully evacuated almost 19,000 people from Kabul in past 24h

90 US military flights have successfully evacuated 19,000 vulnerable Afghans in the past 24 hours. 

This latest figure brings the total evacuation number to about 88,000 people.

US Army Major General William Taylor said one evacuation flight had departed Kabul every 39 minutes yesterday.

09:45 US to prioritise troop evacuation in last two days of Kabul operation

The US military will prioritise troop evacuation and the removal of military equipment in the final two days before the withdrawal deadline on August 31, said the Pentagon. 

President Joe Biden intends to remove all 5,400 military personel from Kabul airport by the end of the month. 

Army Major General William Taylor, with the US military's Joint Staff, said more than 10,000 people were currently waiting at Kabul airport waiting to be evacuated from Afghanistan.

09:30 Afghan families queuing in sewage to escape Taliban

The scramble to leave Afghanistan is becoming increasingly desperate as "imminent" terror threats risk an early end to evacuations. 

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey warned that they had credible intelligence which said a lethal terrorist attack could be launched at Kabul airport in a matter of hours. 

The RAF still needs to airlift out almost 2,000 Afghan interpreters and other staff who have worked for British forces.

Eligible Afghans hoping to seek asylum in the UK would be better off now heading for Afghanistan’s border and trying to make their way to a third country, defence secretary Ben Wallace is understood to have told MPs.

Despite the advice, thousands of Afghan people remain outside the airport, determined to leave the country. 

09:15 RAF successfully evacuated almost 2,000 people from Kabul in past 24h

Eight RAF flights managed to lift 1,988 people from Kabul in the past 24 hours, according to Armed Forces Minister James Heappey. 

This latest figure takes the total number of vulnerable people evacuated by British forces from Afghanistan to 12,279 since the Taliban swept to power.

Mr Heappey said Britain has 11 more flights scheduled out of Kabul for Thursday but declined to say whether that will be the end of the operation, citing the security of troops on the ground.

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Total number of vulnerable people evacuated from Afghanistan by RAF: 12,279 (Image: GETTY)

08:57 An 'imminent, lethal attack' could happen in HOURS

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has warned an "imminent, lethal attack" could be launched at Kabul airport in a matter of hours. 

Speaking on Sky New Mr Heappey said: "The intelligence is so credible now and so imminent that we think [everyone gathered outside Kabul airport] should move away.

"We are doing our best to keep those who have not left safe."

He confirmed that the RAF had 11 flights scheduled for the next 24 hours and they intend to continue processing these evacuations.

Despite the clear warnings, Mr Heappey said there were thousands of people who had ignored them and turned up to the airport in an attempt to flee the Taliban. 

"I suppose their logic is that they are already fearful of their lives, so they have chosen to stay," he added. 

Alternative evacuation routes are being planned but these will not be advertised out of fear they will be targeted by terrorists. 

An 'imminent, lethal attack' could happen in HOURS

An 'imminent, lethal attack' could happen in HOURS (Image: SKY NEWS)

08:33 Taliban backtrack: women WILL need a male chaperone

The Taliban has gone back on their promise to respect the rights of women by saying they will require a male escort if they wish to take a trip lasting multiple days.

Under previous Taliban rule, between 1996 and 2001, women saw their human rights severely curtailed. 

They were not entitled to an education, or to join the workforce and could not leave the home without a male chaperone. 

Women caught flouting the rules or misbehaving would be publicly flogged. 

The Taliban said under their new government girls would be allowed an education to university level on the condition they wore a hijab head covering.

Despite chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid promising the New York Times that the terrorist group would be more liberal than their previous rule, he went on to say music would still be banned under their regime - as it was 20 years ago.