Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday. Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hundreds of diggers were seen digging row after row of graves in the city.

The latest massacre came just a week after another IS-claimed attack on Shiite worshippers at a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz that killed more than 60 people.

IS-K said in a statement on its Telegram channels that two of its suicide bombers carried out different attacks on different parts of the mosque in Kandahar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-pledge-to-step-up-security-at-shiite-mosques-after-fridays-attack-421299">Taliban pledge to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after Friday's attack</a>

The group, bitter rivals of fellow Sunni Islamist movement the Taliban, who swept back to power in Afghanistan in August as the United States and its allies withdrew, regards Shiite Muslims as heretics.

UK-based conflict analysis firm ExTrac said Friday's assault was the first by IS-K in Kandahar, and the fourth mass casualty massacre since the Taliban took Kabul.

Researcher Abdul Sayed told AFP the attack "challenged the Taliban claims of holding control on the country. If the Taliban can't protect Kandahar from an IS-K attack, how could it protect the rest of the country?"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/avoid-public-executions-unless-ordered-by-top-court-taliban-regime-tells-local-officials-in-afghanistan-421149">Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan</a>

The killings triggered international condemnation. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the "despicable attack" and demanded those using violence to restrict Afghans' religious freedom be brought to justice.

At the gravesides, mourner Gul Ahmad told AFP of his grief over his brother's slaying: "He had two little children. He had a home to live in. He had everything. The pain of the loss cannot be described with words."

The all-male crowd brought body after body, shrouded in white sheets, as a dust storm was whipped up by the constant digging.

"The world will remember this. The Islamic world will remember this barbarism, specifically the dignified people of Afghanistan," warned another mourner, Muhammad Agha.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday.

Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday. Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hundreds of diggers were seen digging row after row of graves in the city. The latest massacre came just a week after another IS-claimed attack on Shiite worshippers at a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz that killed more than 60 people. IS-K said in a statement on its Telegram channels that two of its suicide bombers carried out different attacks on different parts of the mosque in Kandahar. Also Read | Taliban pledge to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after Friday's attack The group, bitter rivals of fellow Sunni Islamist movement the Taliban, who swept back to power in Afghanistan in August as the United States and its allies withdrew, regards Shiite Muslims as heretics. UK-based conflict analysis firm ExTrac said Friday's assault was the first by IS-K in Kandahar, and the fourth mass casualty massacre since the Taliban took Kabul. Researcher Abdul Sayed told AFP the attack "challenged the Taliban claims of holding control on the country. If the Taliban can't protect Kandahar from an IS-K attack, how could it protect the rest of the country?" Also Read | Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan The killings triggered international condemnation. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the "despicable attack" and demanded those using violence to restrict Afghans' religious freedom be brought to justice. At the gravesides, mourner Gul Ahmad told AFP of his grief over his brother's slaying: "He had two little children. He had a home to live in. He had everything. The pain of the loss cannot be described with words." The all-male crowd brought body after body, shrouded in white sheets, as a dust storm was whipped up by the constant digging. "The world will remember this. The Islamic world will remember this barbarism, specifically the dignified people of Afghanistan," warned another mourner, Muhammad Agha. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass funerals take place in Kandahar a day after blast at Shiite mosque

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people.<o:p></o:p>

"We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 60 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named.<o:p></o:p>

Labelled as one of the deadliest attacks in the country since Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the attack took place in a mosque, Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque, which is used by the minority Shi'ite Muslim community.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-meet-taliban-soon-in-first-face-to-face-meeting-419305">US set to meet Taliban soon in first face-to-face meeting</a></o:p>

This is the third attack on a religious institution in Afghanistan in the past week, which is turning out to be a disturbing pattern of violence, the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan said. Before this, a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost were attacked in the past week.<o:p></o:p>

Videos and images surfacing from the mosque, post the blast, show body parts spread inside the mosque along with rubble of the structure.<o:p></o:p>

The blast took place when the community members had gathered to offer their usual Friday prayers, which are known to be most important in the whole week.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taliban-blames-isis-k-for-deadly-kunduz-mosque-bombing-419281/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While health officials are claiming that the death toll is expected to reach between 70 and 80, Taliban have confirmed that this has been the deadliest attack in the country since the US troops left Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

This attack by the ISIS is another trial by the terrorist organisation at disrupting the newly-formed Taliban government. The two terrorist organisations have been staunch rivals since years and ISIS is not a supporter of Taliban taking over Afghanistan. Shia Muslims are often targeted by the Sunni extremists.<o:p></o:p>

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people.

Carrying forward its show of hatred towards Taliban, Islamic State carried out a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in the city of Kunduz in Afghanistan that claimed almost 60 lives and injured more than 140 people. "We have received more than 100 wounded patients and over 60 dead bodies, but the number will change. We are still receiving more people," said a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital worker, who did not want to be named. Labelled as one of the deadliest attacks in the country since Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the attack took place in a mosque, Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque, which is used by the minority Shi'ite Muslim community. Also read | US set to meet Taliban soon in first face-to-face meeting This is the third attack on a religious institution in Afghanistan in the past week, which is turning out to be a disturbing pattern of violence, the United Nations' mission in Afghanistan said. Before this, a mosque in Kabul and a religious school in the eastern province of Khost were attacked in the past week. Videos and images surfacing from the mosque, post the blast, show body parts spread inside the mosque along with rubble of the structure. The blast took place when the community members had gathered to offer their usual Friday prayers, which are known to be most important in the whole week. WATCH | While health officials are claiming that the death toll is expected to reach between 70 and 80, Taliban have confirmed that this has been the deadliest attack in the country since the US troops left Afghanistan. This attack by the ISIS is another trial by the terrorist organisation at disrupting the newly-formed Taliban government. The two terrorist organisations have been staunch rivals since years and ISIS is not a supporter of Taliban taking over Afghanistan. Shia Muslims are often targeted by the Sunni extremists.

ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a charge sheet against a Tamil Nadu resident.&nbsp;

According to the NIA, they have filed a charge sheet against Saravana Kumar, alias Abdullah, of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He is being booked under multiple sections including Sedition, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) etc.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-ltte-man-arrested-for-smuggling-ak-47s-ammo-300kg-heroin-from-pakistan-to-sri-lanka-419244" hreflang="en">Ex-LTTE man arrested for smuggling AK-47s, ammo, 300kg heroin from Pakistan to Sri Lanka</a>

The charges against him have been filed for supporting, furthering ISIS ideology and uploading incendiary posts on Facebook. An NIA special court in Chennai has filed cases under sections 124A and 505(1)(b) of IPC and section 13(1)(b), 38 and 39 of UAPA.&nbsp;

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NIA files chargesheet in ISIS- Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir Module case <a href="https://t.co/tGZnFB8Czb">pic.twitter.com/tGZnFB8Czb</a>
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The case against this Madurai-based individual was registered at the Theppakulam Police Station in Madurai City, on April 10th of this year. Following this, a probe was conducted by the NIA, which revealed the grave nature of the accused's intentions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indian-forest-officials-attempted-to-reunite-a-baby-elephant-that-was-separated-from-its-herd-419236" hreflang="en">How Indian Forest officials attempted to reunite a baby elephant that was separated from its herd</a>

“Abdullah was uploading posts on his Facebook account to instigate people to establish Khilafah (an institution governing a territory under Islamic rule) and threaten the unity, security and sovereignty of India. He was also seeking cooperation from other countries to set up an Army to establish an Islamic State in Tamil Nadu through Jihad.” the premier investigation agency said.

An investigation by the NIA has revealed that Abdullah, who went by the alias Saravana Kumar is a highly radicalized Hizb Ut Tahir (HuT) member and was espousing the fundamentalist ideology of ISIS.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-icg-device-helps-save-nine-sailors-stranded-at-sea-between-india-and-the-maldives-419225" hreflang="en">ISRO-ICG device helps save nine sailors stranded at sea between India and the Maldives</a>

Notably, the HuT is banned in many countries.&nbsp;

The accused had knowingly and willingly associated himself with ISIS recruiters with an intention to propagate and support ISIS activities, said NIA. The investigation, in this case, is still underway, they added.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a charge sheet against a Tamil Nadu resident. According to the NIA, they have filed a charge sheet against Saravana Kumar, alias Abdullah, of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a charge sheet against a Tamil Nadu resident. According to the NIA, they have filed a charge sheet against Saravana Kumar, alias Abdullah, of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He is being booked under multiple sections including Sedition, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) etc. Also read | Ex-LTTE man arrested for smuggling AK-47s, ammo, 300kg heroin from Pakistan to Sri Lanka The charges against him have been filed for supporting, furthering ISIS ideology and uploading incendiary posts on Facebook. An NIA special court in Chennai has filed cases under sections 124A and 505(1)(b) of IPC and section 13(1)(b), 38 and 39 of UAPA. NIA files chargesheet in ISIS- Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir Module case pic.twitter.com/tGZnFB8Czb — NIA India (@NIA_India) October 6, 2021 × The case against this Madurai-based individual was registered at the Theppakulam Police Station in Madurai City, on April 10th of this year. Following this, a probe was conducted by the NIA, which revealed the grave nature of the accused's intentions. Also read | How Indian Forest officials attempted to reunite a baby elephant that was separated from its herd “Abdullah was uploading posts on his Facebook account to instigate people to establish Khilafah (an institution governing a territory under Islamic rule) and threaten the unity, security and sovereignty of India. He was also seeking cooperation from other countries to set up an Army to establish an Islamic State in Tamil Nadu through Jihad.” the premier investigation agency said. An investigation by the NIA has revealed that Abdullah, who went by the alias Saravana Kumar is a highly radicalized Hizb Ut Tahir (HuT) member and was espousing the fundamentalist ideology of ISIS. Also read | ISRO-ICG device helps save nine sailors stranded at sea between India and the Maldives Notably, the HuT is banned in many countries. The accused had knowingly and willingly associated himself with ISIS recruiters with an intention to propagate and support ISIS activities, said NIA. The investigation, in this case, is still underway, they added.

NIA files charge sheet against radical who wanted to establish Islamic State in Tamil Nadu

The Taliban have said that they had destroyed an Islamic State cell in the Afghan capital, hours after a suspected IS attack on a mosque killed five people.

Taliban: ISIS-K cell destroyed after Mosque attack in Kabul

Prosecutors described Saudi-born Canadian Mohammed Khalifa as "the voice behind the violence". A Canadian man has been charged with helping Islamic State, accused of fighting and narrating propaganda videos for the group.

The narrator of ISIS propaganda videos arrested

When you eat too much, you might get into a lot of problems.Obesity not only causes health problems, but it may also lead to you being arrested by the cops if you are a fugitive.&nbsp;

A suspected British terrorist who gained six stone after fleeing Islamic State was apprehended because of his kebab obsession.

While on the run, former rapper Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 31, put on so much weight that Spanish cops had to use his ears to identify him.

The Londoner had fought alongside Islamic State in Syria and was mistaken for the group's leading beheader, Jihadi John.

He escaped Syria for Algeria, where he was apprehended in 2020 with two associates after receiving kebab orders.

Due to a social media post, detectives recognised suspected Algerian fixer and people smuggler Adbeizerrak Seddiki as the guy buying kebabs online.&nbsp;

They watched the address in Almeria, Spain's south east, before swooping in on Abdel Bary as the suspected terror group received their third kebab delivery.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Seddiki ordered takeout meals from The Kebab Shop on April 15, 2020, at 10.46 p.m. local time, five days before his arrest.&nbsp;

When you eat too much, you might get into a lot of problems.Obesity not only causes health problems, but it may also lead to you being arrested by the cops if you are a fugitive.

When you eat too much, you might get into a lot of problems.Obesity not only causes health problems, but it may also lead to you being arrested by the cops if you are a fugitive. A suspected British terrorist who gained six stone after fleeing Islamic State was apprehended because of his kebab obsession. While on the run, former rapper Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 31, put on so much weight that Spanish cops had to use his ears to identify him. The Londoner had fought alongside Islamic State in Syria and was mistaken for the group's leading beheader, Jihadi John. He escaped Syria for Algeria, where he was apprehended in 2020 with two associates after receiving kebab orders. Due to a social media post, detectives recognised suspected Algerian fixer and people smuggler Adbeizerrak Seddiki as the guy buying kebabs online. They watched the address in Almeria, Spain's south east, before swooping in on Abdel Bary as the suspected terror group received their third kebab delivery. According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Seddiki ordered takeout meals from The Kebab Shop on April 15, 2020, at 10.46 p.m. local time, five days before his arrest.

How an ISIS terrorist's craving for kebab landed him in police net

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. &nbsp;

The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. &nbsp;

Watch:

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The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. &nbsp;

The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-highest-inflation-rate-in-the-world-says-shehbaz-sharif-416016" hreflang="en">Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif</a>

In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-taliban-apologist-imran-khans-speech-at-unga-a-rant-mixed-with-lies-and-fiction-415951" hreflang="en">Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction</a>

Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official.

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. Watch: × The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. Also Read: Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. Also Read | Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. (With inputs from agencies)

Top ISIS commander in Balochistan killed, claim Pakistan security forces

After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has witnessed several attacks from ISIS-K, now the Taliban has given a statement that they know how to neutralize ISIS-K. Watch this video for more details.

Taliban: Know how to neutralize Islamic State Khorasan

French President Emmanuel Macron said that French military forces had killed Islamic militant Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, the leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Watch this report for more details.

French President Emmanuel Macron says AL-Sahrawi has been killed

Pakistan is now trying its hand at 'comic fiction'. It has released a dossier which claims 'India is training the ISIS'. Watch Palki Sharma takedown Islamabad's dossier of lies & fabrication.

Gravitas: Pakistan's Anti-India dossier, an attempt at 'comic fiction'?

Terror group Al-Qaeda, released a video of its elusive leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was rumoured to be dead on the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks on US soil.

Al-Qaeda releases a new video of Zawahiri on 20th anniversary of 9/11 amid rumours he is dead

Gravitas | Terror has struck New Zealand once again. An 'ISIS-inspired' lone wolf went on a stabbing spree in New Zealand. The attack coincides with the rise of Taliban in Afghanistan. WION's Palki Sharma asks: Is this the beginning of Jihad 2.0?

Gravitas: 'ISIS-Inspired' lone wolf attack in New Zealand

The city of Mosul was the last bastion of ISIS in Iraq. It was retaken by the Iraqi army and a US-led coalition after the intense bombardment and fighting that left it in ruins. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis tells you how Mosul is still struggling to rebuild.

The West Asia Post: Former ISIS stronghold mired in crisis

New Zealand police shot and killed a man after he stabbed and wounded at least six people in a supermarket in the city of Auckland. According to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, he had been inspired by the ISIS group.

New Zealand Terror Attack: New Zealand knife rampage leaves world shocked

Man shot dead after stabbing incident at New Zealand supermarket

According to the White House, top US military generals have been instructed by the president that they should stop at nothing to make Afghanistan's ISIS affiliate pay for 13 US service members' deaths.

White House: Biden told top US military generals to 'stop at nothing' to go after ISIS

In Pics | Emmanuel Macron visits ISIS former stronghold in Iraq's Mosul

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc.

US lawmakers have written a letter to President Joe Biden over the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, asking a range of questions related to terrorism, nuclear weapon, infrastructure, military, women safety, China's ties with Taliban, Pakistan-Taliban relations etc. The details of the letter dated August 24 and signed by the group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives have emerged. The lawmakers demanded that Biden should answer critical questions on what happened during the evacuation phase in Afghanistan and what are his plans to move forward. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings As per the letter, lawmakers said, "The situation in Afghanistan has rapidly metastasized into Taliban rule with reinstated oppression of women and girls, the repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes who the Taliban then use force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by increasing its ties to the Taliban." "The consequences of withdrawal from Afghanistan are not isolated to that country, or even to the Middle East region. The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades," it added. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers In the latest development, the US attacked an Islamic State "planner" in Afghanistan in retaliation for a deadly bombing outside Kabul airport on Thursday (August 26) that heightened the already tense situation. The US also said that there was a high risk of further blasts. Among the scores killed in the suicide bomb blast, claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in the country, were 13 US service members, the most lethal incident for US troops in Afghanistan in a decade. Details of the letter In a letter to Biden, the lawmakers said the world has watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, "the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and its Afghan partners". Here are some of the prominent questions asked by the US lawmakers: Q1) What is your plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs and other vulnerable Afghans like women, girls, and former Afghan civil service employees from Afghanistan? The lawmakers have asked Biden's plans to protect women journalists, scholars and employees of prominent non-government organisations and they also asked about the protection of religious and ethnic minorities, like the Hazaras. Q2) Will you commit to abandoning the arbitrary August 31 withdrawal deadline and continuing Noncombatant Evacuation Operation until all Americans, allies, and at-risk Afghans are processed for evacuation? The US and allies are hurrying to evacuate as many people from Afghanistan as possible before an Aug. 31 deadline. The US will continue evacuating people from Kabul airport until Aug 31 if needed but will prioritise the removal of US troops and military equipment on the last couple of days, the Pentagon has said. The lawmakers are, however, asking what will happen if the evacuations are not completed before the deadline. IN PICS | Shocking images of children trapped at Kabul airport amid evacuation Q3) What is your plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing relationship with the Taliban? Experts have weighed in on the possible Taliban and China ties as Beijing might look to cement its grip on the region. China has held out an olive branch to the Taliban, enticed by the country's mineral wealth, including its large reserves of lithium, a key component for electric vehicles. Q4) What is your plan to help to ensure that the Taliban does not destabilise its nuclear neighbour, Pakistan? Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, there are reports that Islamabad had allowed a porous border to give Taliban access in Pakistan, hiding from US forces. When the Taliban captured Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghans had broken the "shackles of slavery". The lawmakers asked is Biden prepared to support regional allies militarily in the event that the Taliban militarise the Afghanistan border. Watch: × Q5) What is your plan to ensure that Al Qaida does not resurge and regain a foothold in Afghanistan? As the NATO allies withdrew their troops from Afghanistan, several intelligence communities have warned that terror groups like Al Qaida and ISIS-K will dominate in the region. Some of the reports have also said that they will be given complete freedom to act by the Taliban. The lawmakers have asked what operations are prepared to counter this threat. Q6) What is your plan to ensure that more US and Afghan military equipment does not end up in the hands of the Taliban? One of the various questions was related to US-owned weapons, which have been asked prominently since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. From Humvee vehicles to Blackhawk helicopters, reports revealed the Taliban had seized most of the country, as well as any weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces. Pictures and videos showed the advancing insurgents inspecting long lines of vehicles and opening crates of new firearms, communications gear and even military drones. Taliban are believed to control more than 2,000 armoured vehicles, including US Humvees, and up to 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones. The lawmakers have asked what are Biden's plans to disable any air forces that operate under orders from the Taliban. Other points were made over Afghan refugees in the US, plans to support Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)'s air traffic control, plans to support any free Afghanistan resistance, etc.

US lawmakers write to Joe Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China, terrorism, nuclear weapon and more

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. &nbsp;

On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

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The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/british-ex-marine-survived-kabul-attack-with-200-animals-408968" hreflang="en">British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals</a>&nbsp;

The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." &nbsp;

It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-against-is-as-afghanistan-overshadows-iraq-summit-408982" hreflang="en">Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit</a>

The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. &nbsp;

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports.

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. Watch: United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan × The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties. Also Read: British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not. Also Read: Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

After suicide attack, US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report   

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes".&nbsp;

Latest media reports said citing sources in hospitals and Taliban a official that at least 72 civilians,&nbsp;who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan,&nbsp;have been killed in the explosions.

The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts&nbsp;at Kabul airport rose by one to 13.&nbsp;

"A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed scores of Afghans.

Biden also issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isis-khorasan-what-you-should-know-408623">SIS- Khorasan: What you should know</a>

Joe Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay".&nbsp;

"For 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," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday.&nbsp;

Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-second-home-to-the-taliban-says-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-408534">Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid</a>

Watch Joe Biden's address here:

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Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. <a href="https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm">https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431004614283993104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431034088790581249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We will respond with force and precision at the place we choose and a moment of our choosing," Biden added further affirming that the August 31 deadline for all US troops to leave Afghanistan and added that the US forces will evacuate as many people as possible before that date.

"We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation," Biden said.&nbsp;

"We'll rescue the American citizens from Afghanistan. We'll get our Afghan allies out and our mission will go on," he added.&nbsp;

"Knowing the threat, knowing that we may very well have another attack, the military has concluded that that's what we should do. I think they are right," The US President added.&nbsp;

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes".

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to US soldiers who lost their lives in suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) and hailed them as "selfless heroes". Latest media reports said citing sources in hospitals and Taliban a official that at least 72 civilians, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, have been killed in the explosions. The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13. "A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed scores of Afghans. Biden also issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan. ALSO READ | ISIS- Khorasan: What you should know Joe Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay". "For 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," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday. Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities." ALSO READ | Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid Watch Joe Biden's address here: Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × "We will respond with force and precision at the place we choose and a moment of our choosing," Biden added further affirming that the August 31 deadline for all US troops to leave Afghanistan and added that the US forces will evacuate as many people as possible before that date. "We will not be deterred by terrorists. We will not let them stop our mission. We will continue the evacuation," Biden said. "We'll rescue the American citizens from Afghanistan. We'll get our Afghan allies out and our mission will go on," he added. "Knowing the threat, knowing that we may very well have another attack, the military has concluded that that's what we should do. I think they are right," The US President added.

'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future.

"Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?"

In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-joe-biden-says-no-sign-of-collusion-between-taliban-and-islamic-state-in-attacks-408695">Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners."

According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-more-than-90-dead-as-joe-biden-vows-to-hunt-down-those-responsible-408741">Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible</a> 
 
The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades.

"Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote.

The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons.

A group of US lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to prevent the Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers, from destabilising Pakistan and acquiring nuclear weapons. The lawmakers demanded that Biden answer critical questions about what happened in Afghanistan and his plans for the future. "Are you willing to provide military support to regional allies if the Taliban militarise the Afghan border?" In a letter addressed to Biden on Wednesday, a group of 68 lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives asked, "What is your plan to help ensure that the Taliban do not destabilise its nuclear neighbour Pakistan?" ALSO READ | Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks The lawmakers stated that in recent weeks, the world has watched in astonishment as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, as a result of "unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of US personnel and Afghan partners." According to them, the situation in Afghanistan has rapidly "metastasized" into Taliban rule, with reintroduced oppression of women and girls, repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes, whom the Taliban then uses force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by strengthening ties with the Taliban. Also read | Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible The lawmakers stated that the consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are not limited to that country or even the Middle East region, and that the action has already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. "Dealing with these consequences necessitates immediate action to chart the course for American strategy, even as we deal with the immediate ramifications of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To that end, we write to request that you outline your strategy for moving America forward," they wrote. The group emphasised in the letter that the effect of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years has consequences not only in the specific nation, or even the Middle East, but also has strategic and geographical consequences that have already begun to unravel and will continue for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul.

Times of London reporter Anthony Loyd said he found the papers scattered on the ground as he toured Kabul's abandoned diplomatic district with a Taliban escort this week.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said “clearly it's not good enough” that the documents were left unsecured. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson “will be asking some questions” about what had happened.

“We'll find out and get to the bottom of it,” Wallace told LBC radio.

Thousands of citizens who worked with Western forces have been trying to leave Afghanistan, fearing reprisals now that the Taliban control the country.

Loyd said the documents included the name and address of a senior embassy staff member, the contact details for other employees and the resumes and addresses of people applying to be interpreters.

He called the phone numbers he found and learned that some of the staffers had already left Afghanistan but others were still in the country, including three Afghan employees and eight family members stranded outside Kabul's airport as they tried to leave.

The government said they were eventually found and taken to safety. The Times said the fate of at least two of the job applicants remains unknown.

The House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee said it would hold an inquiry into how the documents got abandoned during the hurried departure of U.K. diplomats from the embassy as the Taliban advanced on Kabul earlier this month.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that “during the drawdown of our embassy every effort was made to destroy sensitive material.”

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul.

The UK's defence chief promised Friday to “get to the bottom of” a security lapse that saw documents identifying Afghan staff members and job applicants left behind at the abandoned British Embassy in Kabul. Times of London reporter Anthony Loyd said he found the papers scattered on the ground as he toured Kabul's abandoned diplomatic district with a Taliban escort this week. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said “clearly it's not good enough” that the documents were left unsecured. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson “will be asking some questions” about what had happened. “We'll find out and get to the bottom of it,” Wallace told LBC radio. Thousands of citizens who worked with Western forces have been trying to leave Afghanistan, fearing reprisals now that the Taliban control the country. Loyd said the documents included the name and address of a senior embassy staff member, the contact details for other employees and the resumes and addresses of people applying to be interpreters. He called the phone numbers he found and learned that some of the staffers had already left Afghanistan but others were still in the country, including three Afghan employees and eight family members stranded outside Kabul's airport as they tried to leave. The government said they were eventually found and taken to safety. The Times said the fate of at least two of the job applicants remains unknown. The House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee said it would hold an inquiry into how the documents got abandoned during the hurried departure of U.K. diplomats from the embassy as the Taliban advanced on Kabul earlier this month. The Foreign Office said in a statement that “during the drawdown of our embassy every effort was made to destroy sensitive material.”

Afghanistan staff details left behind at UK Kabul embassy: Report

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-your-strategy-to-stop-taliban-from-acquiring-nuclear-weapons-us-lawmakers-to-biden-408837">Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden</a> 
 
The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-isis-k-behind-kabul-blasts-408825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda."

As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group. This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more. According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country. Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda." As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Preach about importance of obeying rulers at Friday prayers: Taliban to Afghan imams

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety. 
 
As a crisis unfolds in the country, a few thousand Afghans have been recorded as entering Iran daily, while traders continue going back and forth from Afghanistan to Pakistan, said Kelly Clements, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. 
 
"In terms of numbers we are preparing for around 500,000 new refugees in the region. This is a worst case scenario," Clements told a Geneva news briefing. 
 
"While we have not seen large outflows of Afghans at this point, the situation inside Afghanistan has evolved more rapidly than anyone expected," she added. 
 
There had been a "small uptick" in the outflow to Pakistan in the recent days, she said. 
 
UNHCR`s contingency planning figure of half a million Afghan refugees over the next four months includes departures to Iran and Pakistan and to countries of Central Asia, Clements said. 
 
She did not elaborate on what developments might trigger such a sudden increase in refugee numbers where an Islamic State attack on Thursday killed 85 people outside Kabul airport. 
 
Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, has held talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other donors regarding financial support for the agency`s plan to shelter and care for new arrivals, she added. 
 
People are calling an Afghan crisis helpline, reporting "executions and beatings and clampdowns on media and radio stations", said Najeeba Wazedafost, CEO of the Asia Pacific Refugee Network, who voiced special concern for women`s safety. 
 
"They tell us their fear of being killed simply for being a female," she said.

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety.

Up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by year-end, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday, appealing to all neighbouring countries to keep their borders open for those seeking safety. As a crisis unfolds in the country, a few thousand Afghans have been recorded as entering Iran daily, while traders continue going back and forth from Afghanistan to Pakistan, said Kelly Clements, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. "In terms of numbers we are preparing for around 500,000 new refugees in the region. This is a worst case scenario," Clements told a Geneva news briefing. "While we have not seen large outflows of Afghans at this point, the situation inside Afghanistan has evolved more rapidly than anyone expected," she added. There had been a "small uptick" in the outflow to Pakistan in the recent days, she said. UNHCR`s contingency planning figure of half a million Afghan refugees over the next four months includes departures to Iran and Pakistan and to countries of Central Asia, Clements said. She did not elaborate on what developments might trigger such a sudden increase in refugee numbers where an Islamic State attack on Thursday killed 85 people outside Kabul airport. Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, has held talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other donors regarding financial support for the agency`s plan to shelter and care for new arrivals, she added. People are calling an Afghan crisis helpline, reporting "executions and beatings and clampdowns on media and radio stations", said Najeeba Wazedafost, CEO of the Asia Pacific Refugee Network, who voiced special concern for women`s safety. "They tell us their fear of being killed simply for being a female," she said.

Half a million Afghans could flee across borders: UNHCR

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport. They are fearful about what comes next. 
 
At least 85 people were killed in the attack, claimed by Islamic State in a terrifying return of suicide bombings that were a regular part of life before the Taliban`s conquest of the city less than two weeks ago. 
 
"Everybody is concerned at this moment in Kabul, nobody knows what to expect in the coming hours," said Rossella Miccio, president of the Italian aid group that runs the hospital. 
 
She said staff in its three operating theatres had worked into the early hours of the morning to handle more than 60 patients, of whom 16 died of their injuries as they arrived. 
 
"It was very tiring, exhausting. They finished with the last patient around 4 a.m. this morning, so the three theatres have been working all night long basically," she said. 
 
"Fortunately all the colleagues that were supposed to come to work today are ... there and they didn`t face any major problem on the way to the hospital." 
 
But with rumours circulating that numbers of Islamic State may be at large in Kabul, the mood in the city was tense, with some expecting more attacks to come as the chaotic evacuation continued at the airport. 
 
While the Taliban have been dismantling the concrete blast walls put up around the city over the years, the airport attack was a bitter reminder that the fall of the Western-backed government may not mean the end of suicide bombings in Kabul. 
 
"I think people are scared that there is a sort of suspended feeling, atmosphere, people are so scared of going around," said Miccio.

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport.

Medical staff at Kabul`s Emergency Hospital worked through the night into Friday treating casualties from the twin blasts that tore through crowds waiting outside the airport. They are fearful about what comes next. At least 85 people were killed in the attack, claimed by Islamic State in a terrifying return of suicide bombings that were a regular part of life before the Taliban`s conquest of the city less than two weeks ago. "Everybody is concerned at this moment in Kabul, nobody knows what to expect in the coming hours," said Rossella Miccio, president of the Italian aid group that runs the hospital. She said staff in its three operating theatres had worked into the early hours of the morning to handle more than 60 patients, of whom 16 died of their injuries as they arrived. "It was very tiring, exhausting. They finished with the last patient around 4 a.m. this morning, so the three theatres have been working all night long basically," she said. "Fortunately all the colleagues that were supposed to come to work today are ... there and they didn`t face any major problem on the way to the hospital." But with rumours circulating that numbers of Islamic State may be at large in Kabul, the mood in the city was tense, with some expecting more attacks to come as the chaotic evacuation continued at the airport. While the Taliban have been dismantling the concrete blast walls put up around the city over the years, the airport attack was a bitter reminder that the fall of the Western-backed government may not mean the end of suicide bombings in Kabul. "I think people are scared that there is a sort of suspended feeling, atmosphere, people are so scared of going around," said Miccio.

Exhausted Kabul hospital staff fear more attacks may come

Islamic State struck the crowded gates of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport in a suicide bomb attack on Thursday, killing scores of civilians and at least 13 US&nbsp;troops, disrupting the airlift of tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee.

The blasts came hours after Western officials warned of a major attack, urging people to leave the airport. But that advice went largely unheeded by Afghans desperate to escape the country in the last few days of an American-led evacuation before the US&nbsp;officially ends its 20-year presence on August&nbsp;31.

Prior to that, the worst single-day toll also involved a helicopter. On June 28, 2005, three Navy SEALs were killed in a firefight after being flown in to the mountains of the eastern Kunar province.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-blast-isis-bomber-carried-out-attack-408632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A helicopter loaded with reinforcements that was sent to help one SEAL still alive on the ground and recover the bodies of the three was shot down, killing 16 on board.&nbsp;

Firefights

Other major losses include a firefight between scores of Taliban fighters and US troops in Wanat in Nurestan province in July 2008, which saw nine US troops killed.

Fifteen months later, in October 2009, eight Americans died in a similar battle with hundreds of Taliban fighters in Kamdesh, also in Nurestan province.&nbsp;

Perceived allies&nbsp;

The war has also seen high tolls from attacks by perceived allies on the Americans.

On April 27, 2011 eight members of the US Air Force and one US civilian were shot dead in Kabul airport by an Afghan pilot.

And on December 30, 2009, a "triple-agent" whom US intelligence thought was on their side killed seven CIA officers and contractors, along with two others, at a CIA facility in eastern Afghanistan known as Camp Chapman.

(With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State struck the crowded gates of Kabul airport in a suicide bomb attack on Thursday, killing scores of civilians and at least 13 US troops, disrupting the airlift of tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee.

Islamic State struck the crowded gates of Kabul airport in a suicide bomb attack on Thursday, killing scores of civilians and at least 13 US troops, disrupting the airlift of tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee. The blasts came hours after Western officials warned of a major attack, urging people to leave the airport. But that advice went largely unheeded by Afghans desperate to escape the country in the last few days of an American-led evacuation before the US officially ends its 20-year presence on August 31. Prior to that, the worst single-day toll also involved a helicopter. On June 28, 2005, three Navy SEALs were killed in a firefight after being flown in to the mountains of the eastern Kunar province. A helicopter loaded with reinforcements that was sent to help one SEAL still alive on the ground and recover the bodies of the three was shot down, killing 16 on board. Firefights Other major losses include a firefight between scores of Taliban fighters and US troops in Wanat in Nurestan province in July 2008, which saw nine US troops killed. Fifteen months later, in October 2009, eight Americans died in a similar battle with hundreds of Taliban fighters in Kamdesh, also in Nurestan province. Perceived allies The war has also seen high tolls from attacks by perceived allies on the Americans. On April 27, 2011 eight members of the US Air Force and one US civilian were shot dead in Kabul airport by an Afghan pilot. And on December 30, 2009, a "triple-agent" whom US intelligence thought was on their side killed seven CIA officers and contractors, along with two others, at a CIA facility in eastern Afghanistan known as Camp Chapman. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is Kabul airport attack worst US loss in Afghanistan since 2011?

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) as reported by AFP. The suicide attacks killed more than 60 people including, 13 US soldiers as told by Afghan and US officials.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26) as reported by AFP. The suicide attacks killed more than 60 people including, 13 US soldiers as told by Afghan and US officials. The US Defense Department said that the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13 as earlier, there were reports that 12 US soldiers have lost their lives. "A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. ALSO READ | ISIS- Khorasan: What you should know Reports and eyewitnesses have claimed that suicide bombers and gunmen attacked people outside Kabul airport, who were desperate to flee Afghanistan — a country now ruled by the Taliban. In a tragic turn of events, the blasts on Thursday transformed the already tensed scenes at Kabul airport into complete chaos and horror as several videos and photos, allegedly from Kabul airport, surfaced on social media that displayed devastating scenes. As per reports, some Western officials had warned of a major attack hours before the suicide bomb blasts took place and people were urged to leave the airport area but those who were desperate to leave the country stayed. ALSO READ | Pakistan is second home to the Taliban, says spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid The airport blasts came as the August 31 deadline looms for the United States to withdraw its troops, and for it and other Western countries to end a massive airlift that has already evacuated nearly 100,000 people. Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), an affiliate of militants who previously battled US forces in Syria and Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attack. Watch: × Joe Biden condemned the blasts US President Joe Biden condemned the suicide attacks and promised that the United States would hunt down those responsible for the explosions. "We will not forgive, we will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said in remarks at the White House. Biden promised US evacuations would continue as he did not indicate of a change in next Tuesday's US pullout target. Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × "I have also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose and the moment of our choosing," Biden said. Biden appeared to be fighting back tears and his voice cracked with emotion as he talked about the American "heroes" who died. "It's been a tough day," he said. The president said he had told the U.S. military that he would grant additional force if they needed it: "Whatever they need, if they need additional force, I will grant it." (with inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: ISIS claim responsibility for Kabul blasts that killed dozens, including 13 US soldiers

The United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26).&nbsp;

Biden condemned the attacks and promised that the United States would "hunt down" those responsible for the explosions that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"There is no evidence thus far that I've been given as a consequence by any of the commanders in the field that there has been collusion between the Taliban and ISIS in carrying out what happened today," Biden said in an address at the White House.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-gunmen-free-dozens-of-kidnapped-seminary-pupils-says-teacher-408677">Nigerian gunmen free dozens of kidnapped seminary pupils, says teacher</a>

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During the press briefing after deadly blasts at Kabul airport, Biden was asked about the ongoing criticism about the dependence on the Taliban to secure the perimeter of the airport.&nbsp;

To which Biden replied, "The fact is that we’re in a situation — we inherited a situation, particularly since, as we all know, that the Afghan military collapsed 11 days before — in 11 days — that it is in the interest of, as Mackenzie said, in the interest of the Taliban that, in fact, ISIS-K does not metastasize beyond what it is, number one. And number two, it’s in their interest that we are able to leave on time, on target."

"As a consequence of that, the major things we've asked them — moving back the perimeter; give me more space between the wall; stopping vehicles from coming through, et cetera; searching people coming through — it is not what you’d call a tightly commanded, regimented operation like the US is — the military is — but they’re acting in their interest — their interest," Biden added.&nbsp;

Watch Joe Biden's address here:

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Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. <a href="https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm">https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431004614283993104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1431034088790581249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-hunt-you-down-joe-biden-warns-kabul-bombers-vows-to-avenge-deaths-of-us-soldiers-408665">'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers</a>

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed at least 13 soldiers including US Marines and navy medic, along with scores of Afghans, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."&nbsp;

The United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26).

The United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly suicide bomb blasts at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on Thursday (August 26). Biden condemned the attacks and promised that the United States would "hunt down" those responsible for the explosions that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan. "There is no evidence thus far that I've been given as a consequence by any of the commanders in the field that there has been collusion between the Taliban and ISIS in carrying out what happened today," Biden said in an address at the White House. ALSO READ | Nigerian gunmen free dozens of kidnapped seminary pupils, says teacher During the press briefing after deadly blasts at Kabul airport, Biden was asked about the ongoing criticism about the dependence on the Taliban to secure the perimeter of the airport. To which Biden replied, "The fact is that we’re in a situation — we inherited a situation, particularly since, as we all know, that the Afghan military collapsed 11 days before — in 11 days — that it is in the interest of, as Mackenzie said, in the interest of the Taliban that, in fact, ISIS-K does not metastasize beyond what it is, number one. And number two, it’s in their interest that we are able to leave on time, on target." "As a consequence of that, the major things we've asked them — moving back the perimeter; give me more space between the wall; stopping vehicles from coming through, et cetera; searching people coming through — it is not what you’d call a tightly commanded, regimented operation like the US is — the military is — but they’re acting in their interest — their interest," Biden added. Watch Joe Biden's address here: Watch as I deliver remarks on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the U.S. service members and Afghan victims killed and wounded. https://t.co/NBv02m3Bpm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × The American service members who gave their lives were heroes. Heroes who have been engaged in a dangerous, selfless mission to save the lives of others. We have a continuing obligation — a sacred obligation — to their families that will last forever. — President Biden (@POTUS) August 26, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed at least 13 soldiers including US Marines and navy medic, along with scores of Afghans, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."

Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks

India strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Thursday (August 26), killing at least 13 US soldiers, along with dozens of Afghans, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

India strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Thursday (August 26), killing at least 13 US soldiers, along with dozens of Afghans, who were waiting outside Kabul airport to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The statement released on Thursday (August 26) by India's Ministry of External Affairs read: "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack." ALSO READ | Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks "Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," the statement added. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and the United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks. IN PICS | Dozens of civilians, at least 13 US troops killed in Kabul airport attack The US President condemned the blasts and promised that the United States would "hunt down" those responsible for the explosions that caused mayhem at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the mass evacuation of thousands of people from Afghanistan. Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities." More than 100,000 people have been flown out of Afghanistan since the Taliban swept into power on August 15, with Afghans desperate to escape the feared hardline rule of the fundamentalist Islamists. The Taliban had allowed US-led forces to conduct the airlift, while planning to finalise their own government as soon as the American troops left. The suicide bombers targeted people trying to reach access gates at the airport, creating scenes of terror and devastation. Footage shared on social media showed men and women in a tangled mess in the shin-deep water of a drainage canal. Stunned survivors pulled themselves to their feet, while others desperately shouted for help in searching the carnage for loved ones. The Italian NGO Emergency said the hospital it operates in Kabul had been overwhelmed by a "massive influx" of more than 60 casualties, 16 of whom were pronounced dead on arrival. (with inputs from agencies)

India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism'

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was stunned by more than one suicide bomb blast at the airport on Thursday (August 26), that killed dozens of people including US troops as the&nbsp;United States President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to those who are&nbsp;responsible for the attacks.&nbsp;

The death toll from devastating blasts has risen as the latest US media reports, citing an official with Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health, revealed that more than 90 people have been killed, including civilians and 13 US troops.&nbsp;

Biden has vowed to avenge the fallen soldiers, who he said were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others".&nbsp; He said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay".&nbsp;

"For 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," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-condemns-kabul-blasts-says-need-for-the-world-to-stand-unitedly-against-terrorism-408703">India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism'</a>

The blasts have deepened the Afghan crisis further in the final days of an already tensed evacuation efforts by the West from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"There are many women and children among the victims. Most of the wounded people are in trauma and shock," one of the officials said as quoted by AFP, adding the toll only accounted for those taken to city hospitals.

The US Defense Department confirmed the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13.&nbsp;

"A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement.&nbsp;

Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-condemns-kabul-blasts-says-need-for-the-world-to-stand-unitedly-against-terrorism-408703">India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism'</a>

Watch:

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The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks, however, Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers have lashed out at Biden over deaths of US soldiers.&nbsp;

"This tragedy should never have been allowed to happen, which makes our grief even deeper and more difficult to understand," said Trump, who is a staunch critic of Biden over the Afghan crisis.&nbsp;

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Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was stunned by more than one suicide bomb blast at the airport on Thursday (August 26), that killed dozens of people including US troops as the United States President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks.

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was stunned by more than one suicide bomb blast at the airport on Thursday (August 26), that killed dozens of people including US troops as the United States President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to those who are responsible for the attacks. The death toll from devastating blasts has risen as the latest US media reports, citing an official with Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health, revealed that more than 90 people have been killed, including civilians and 13 US troops. Biden has vowed to avenge the fallen soldiers, who he said were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others". He said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay". "For 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," Biden said in an address at the White House on Thursday. ALSO READ | India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism' The blasts have deepened the Afghan crisis further in the final days of an already tensed evacuation efforts by the West from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. "There are many women and children among the victims. Most of the wounded people are in trauma and shock," one of the officials said as quoted by AFP, adding the toll only accounted for those taken to city hospitals. The US Defense Department confirmed the number of American troops killed in the suicide bomb blasts at Kabul airport rose by one to 13. "A thirteenth US service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate," Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. Biden also informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities." ALSO READ | India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism' Watch: × The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks, however, Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks. Former US president Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers have lashed out at Biden over deaths of US soldiers. "This tragedy should never have been allowed to happen, which makes our grief even deeper and more difficult to understand," said Trump, who is a staunch critic of Biden over the Afghan crisis.

Kabul blasts: More than 90 dead as Joe Biden vows to 'hunt down' those responsible

Former US president Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers have lashed out at Joe Biden after deadly bomb blasts rocked Afghanistan's capital Kabul, killing at least 13 US soldiers among others on Thursday (August 26).&nbsp;

"This tragedy should never have been allowed to happen, which makes our grief even deeper and more difficult to understand," said Trump, who is a staunch critic of Biden over the Afghan crisis.&nbsp;

Soon after the explosions, Biden addressed the media at the White House. He condemned the attacks and paid tributes to the US soldiers who lost their lives in the suicide bomb blasts outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-condemns-kabul-blasts-says-need-for-the-world-to-stand-unitedly-against-terrorism-408703">India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism'</a>

Several Republicans also slammed Biden.

"Joe Biden is responsible," said Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. "It is now clear beyond all doubt that he has neither the capacity nor the will to lead. He must resign."&nbsp;

"Joe Biden has blood on his hands," tweeted Representative Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking Republican in the House. "The buck stops with the President of the United States," Stefanik said.&nbsp;

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Joe Biden has blood on his hands. 
 
The buck stops with the President of the United States. 
 
This horrific national security and humanitarian disaster is solely the result of Joe Biden’s weak and incompetent leadership. He is unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliseStefanik/status/1430912462333829120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks as more than 60 people have lost their lives; Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-blasts-joe-biden-says-no-sign-of-collusion-between-taliban-and-islamic-state-in-attacks-408695">Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks</a>

"It is time for Congress to act quickly to save lives," Representative Kevin McCarthy said. "Our enemies have taken advantage of the chaotic nature of the withdrawal."

McCarthy said House speaker Nancy Pelosi "must bring Congress back into session before August 31 so that we can be briefed thoroughly and comprehensively by the Biden administration."

McCarthy also called on Biden to "take decisive action to protect our troops, our citizens, and our allies without regard for an arbitrary deadline."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called the Kabul attack "enraging" and said, "we need to redouble our global efforts to confront these barbarian enemies who want to kill our Americans and attack our homeland."&nbsp;

As he concluded the media interview, Biden informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers have lashed out at Joe Biden after deadly bomb blasts rocked Afghanistan's capital Kabul, killing at least 13 US soldiers among others on Thursday (August 26).

Former US president Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers have lashed out at Joe Biden after deadly bomb blasts rocked Afghanistan's capital Kabul, killing at least 13 US soldiers among others on Thursday (August 26). "This tragedy should never have been allowed to happen, which makes our grief even deeper and more difficult to understand," said Trump, who is a staunch critic of Biden over the Afghan crisis. Soon after the explosions, Biden addressed the media at the White House. He condemned the attacks and paid tributes to the US soldiers who lost their lives in the suicide bomb blasts outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. ALSO READ | India condemns Kabul blasts, says 'need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism' Several Republicans also slammed Biden. "Joe Biden is responsible," said Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. "It is now clear beyond all doubt that he has neither the capacity nor the will to lead. He must resign." "Joe Biden has blood on his hands," tweeted Representative Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking Republican in the House. "The buck stops with the President of the United States," Stefanik said. Joe Biden has blood on his hands. The buck stops with the President of the United States. This horrific national security and humanitarian disaster is solely the result of Joe Biden’s weak and incompetent leadership. He is unfit to be Commander-in-Chief. — Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 26, 2021 × The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks as more than 60 people have lost their lives; Biden has promised to avenge the fallen soldiers, who according to the President were engaged "in a dangerous mission to save the lives of others" and said that the United States will "hunt down" the attackers and "make them pay". ALSO READ | Kabul blasts: Joe Biden says no sign of 'collusion' between Taliban and Islamic State in attacks "It is time for Congress to act quickly to save lives," Representative Kevin McCarthy said. "Our enemies have taken advantage of the chaotic nature of the withdrawal." McCarthy said House speaker Nancy Pelosi "must bring Congress back into session before August 31 so that we can be briefed thoroughly and comprehensively by the Biden administration." McCarthy also called on Biden to "take decisive action to protect our troops, our citizens, and our allies without regard for an arbitrary deadline." Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called the Kabul attack "enraging" and said, "we need to redouble our global efforts to confront these barbarian enemies who want to kill our Americans and attack our homeland." As he concluded the media interview, Biden informed that he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at Islamist militants. He said, "I've also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities."

'Biden has blood on his hands': Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers slam US president after Kabul blasts

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