Afghanistan: Explosion near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul Aug. 26 injures at least three people; additional casualties likely /update 1

Event

US officials have confirmed that at least three soldiers were injured in an explosion near Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in Kabul the evening of Aug. 26. US authorities believe that a suicide bomber triggered the blast near the Abbey Gate of the airport. The Taliban has said that at least 11 people were killed in the attack, with additional people injured. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

Context

The explosion comes as the US and allied countries had warned of an increased risk of an imminent attack on KBL amid ongoing international evacuations. Thousands of civilians have crowded the gate in recent days, prompting officials to ask people to leave the area. If confirmed, a suicide bombing would likely indicate that the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, IS-K, perpetrated the attack; the group has used the tactic to target civilians in the past.

Advice

Avoid the area near KBL until security officials give the all-clear. Only travel to the airport if contacted by officials for evacuation.