Update 2:38 p.m.: This post has been updated to reflect the death toll of U.S. service members.
At least 13 servicemen participating in the Afghanistan evacuation were killed in a terrorist attack at the Kabul airport on Thursday morning, making it the deadliest day in the war since 2011.
Jennifer Griffin, the national security correspondent for Fox News, said at least 13 service members died in the terror attacks. The attack is now the deadliest in Afghanistan since Aug. 6, 2011, when 30 Americans, including 22 Navy SEALs, were shot down over Wardak Province.
The U.S. ambassador in Kabul told staff of the casualties after terrorists set off two suicide bombs outside of the airport as well as at the Baron Hotel in the Afghan capital. The Wall Street Journal confirmed the deaths of U.S. troops. The bombing is the second deadliest day in the war in Afghanistan since 2005, when 19 Special Operations Forces died during Operation Red Wings. These are the first combat deaths since February 2020.
The blast at the Abbey Gate entrance at the Kabul airport left at least 10 more Marines injured. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby confirmed the deaths of Marines in a statement.
"We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport," Kirby said. "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."
ISIS-K, the Afghanistan affiliate of ISIS, reportedly orchestrated the attack.
At least 90 Afghan civilians, including infants and children, perished in the blast. The Biden administration has committed to a full withdrawal from the country by Tuesday even as thousands of Americans and Afghan allies remain stranded in the country.