A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan.

While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the&nbsp;Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

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A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IslamicState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IslamicState</a> affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a> to bring you the details <a href="https://t.co/w2e4yh0YMT">pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT</a>
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US officials have claimed that the US&nbsp;targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson,&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the&nbsp;US&nbsp; targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K&nbsp;in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening.

The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed.

"We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-military-airstrike-vehicle-was-to-be-used-by-isis-k-car-bomber-409254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area.

This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport.

"The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced.

While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism,&nbsp;Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the&nbsp;Dover Air Force Base&nbsp;in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week.

(This is a developing story)

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.

A little after the US President Joe Biden warned against another possible attack in Kabul, a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul A US airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s #IslamicState affiliate before they could target the ongoing American military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport@MollyGambhir talks to @AnasMallick to bring you the details pic.twitter.com/w2e4yh0YMT — WION (@WIONews) August 29, 2021 × US officials have claimed that the US targeted some ISIS-K members through a fresh military strike. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has confirmed in a text message to journalists that on Sunday the US targeted active suicide bombers of ISIS-K in a vehicle who was about to attack the Kabul airport. The vehicle was parked inside the house that was targeted by the US forces on Sunday evening. The officials claim the vehicle was laden with explosions and now "a substantial amount of explosive material" has been destroyed. "We are confident we successfully hit the target," a US official told CNN. No civilian casualty has been officially reported yet. WATCH | Following the explosion, Taliban have increased security in the area. This explosion happened a few hours after the US President Joe Biden warned that there is a possibility of another attack near the Kabul airport and the US embassy in Kabul had urged its citizens to stay away from the clear vicinity of the airport. "The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," Biden had announced. While Kabul is once again bleeding by terrorism, Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrived at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to pay respect to the 13 members of the US troops who were killed in the deadly Kabul airport attack that took place last week. (This is a developing story)

Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US targets active ISIS-K suicide bombers

The clock is certainly ticking, in three days all foreign troops will leave Afghanistan as per the deadline set for US troops withdrawal after 20 years of war but the world is dreading a thought that what will happen after August 31 in Afghanistan? WION brings you a report.

Taliban vows 'consequences' if deadline not met

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning&nbsp;to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week.

Biden&nbsp;and his wife, Jill, "will meet with the families of fallen American service members who gave their lives to save Americans, our partners, and our Afghan allies in Kabul," ahead of a transfer of the remains, according to the president's daily schedule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

Thursday's attack, which was claimed by ISIS-K,&nbsp;the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, was the most lethal incident or&nbsp;US&nbsp;service members in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in a decade.

The bombing took place just outside the gates of the airport, where thousands of people have gathered to try to get a flight out since the Taliban returned to power on August&nbsp;15..

Biden&nbsp;has vowed to punish those responsible for the airport bomb.

The&nbsp;US military said on Saturday that it had&nbsp;killed&nbsp;two ISIS-K militants in a drone attack in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

This comes in after a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan.

While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the&nbsp;Khwaja Bugra area in PD15.

As per local reports, it is being believed by the locals that the source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit.

US President Joe Biden traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week.

US President Joe Biden traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday morning to pay respects to the 13 service members who were killed in Kabul in an attack earlier in the week. Biden and his wife, Jill, "will meet with the families of fallen American service members who gave their lives to save Americans, our partners, and our Afghan allies in Kabul," ahead of a transfer of the remains, according to the president's daily schedule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning Thursday's attack, which was claimed by ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, was the most lethal incident or US service members in Afghanistan in a decade. The bombing took place just outside the gates of the airport, where thousands of people have gathered to try to get a flight out since the Taliban returned to power on August 15.. Biden has vowed to punish those responsible for the airport bomb. The US military said on Saturday that it had killed two ISIS-K militants in a drone attack in Afghanistan. This comes in after a loud explosion was heard in the capital city of Afghanistan. While it is not yet clear where exactly did the explosion happen, smoke was seen rising from the Khwaja Bugra area in PD15. As per local reports, it is being believed by the locals that the source of the explosion was a rocket that has hit a house near the north gate of Kabul airport. However, the airport has not been hit.

Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche.

Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation.&nbsp;

Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone'&nbsp;in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said.

"This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country.&nbsp;

"I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure."

His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end.&nbsp;

France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Also read |&nbsp;Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline.

Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31.

Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations.

He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17.

In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France.

"My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche. Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation. Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone' in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said. "This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country. "I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure." His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end. France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline. Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31. Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations. He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17. In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France. "My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

Macron calls for Kabul 'safe zone'

US&nbsp;forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in&nbsp;Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport.

An explosion was heard near the airport, witnesses said, and television footage showed black smoke rising into the sky but there was no immediate word on any casualties.

Two witnesses said the blast appeared to have been caused by a rocket that hit a house in an area to the northern side of the airport but there was no immediate confirmation.

Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters.

"We want to ensure that every foreign civilian and those who are at risk are evacuated today. Forces will start flying out once this process is over," said the official, who is stationed at the airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-as-us-official-admits-military-strike-carried-out-in-same-area-409224">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area</a>

US&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has said he will stick by his deadline to withdraw all U.S. troops&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;by Tuesday. A US&nbsp;official told Reuters on Saturday that fewer than 4,000 troops remained at the airport.

US&nbsp;and allied forces have mounted a massive two-week effort to ferry foreign nationals and tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans out of the country.

The airlift, one of the biggest such evacuation operations ever, marked the end of a 20-year Western mission in Afghanistan that began when US led forces ousted a Taliban government that had provided&nbsp;safe&nbsp;haven for the perpetrators of the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

The final chapter came quickly after the United States and the Taliban made a deal to end the foreign involvement. The Western-backed government and Afghan army melted away as Taliban fighters swept across the country and took control of Kabul on August&nbsp;15.

The United States and allies have taken about 114,400 people out of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in the past two weeks, but tens of thousands who want to go will be left behind.

"We tried every option because our lives are in danger. They (the&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;or foreigners) must show us a way to be saved. We should leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;or they should provide a&nbsp;safe&nbsp;place for us," said one woman outside the airport.

A Taliban official told Reuters the Islamist group had engineers and technicians ready to take charge of the airport.

"We are waiting for the final nod&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;to secure full control over Kabul airport as both sides aim for a swift handover," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Britain's last military flight left Kabul on Saturday night after a chaotic two weeks at the airport that was plunged into a bloodbath on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomb attack outside the airport gates killed at least 90 Afghans and 13 American troops.

Biden&nbsp;headed on Sunday to Dover Air Force Base to honour members of the US&nbsp;military killed in the attack as their remains were returned to the United States.

A top US official&nbsp;said the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration expects the Taliban to continue allowing&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage&nbsp;for&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;and others to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the U.S. military withdrawal is completed.

"The Taliban have both communicated privately and publicly that they will allow for&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage," said Jake Sullivan,&nbsp;Biden's national security adviser, in a CBS TV interview set to be broadcast Sunday.

FINANCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

The collapse of the Afghan government leaves an administrative vacuum that has led to fears of an economic crisis and widespread hunger.

Prices for commodities like flour, oil and rice are rapidly rising and the currency is plunging, with money changers across the border in Pakistan already refusing to accept the afghani.

On Saturday, officials ordered banks to re-open and imposed a limit on withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 afghani. Long queues forming outside bank branches of people trying to get money out.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the difficulties will subside quickly once the new administration is up and running.

But with its economy shattered by decades of war,&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is now facing the end of billions of dollars in foreign aid poured in by Western donors.

Mujahid said the Taliban would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. It had appointed governors and police chiefs in all but one of&nbsp;Afghanistan's 34 provinces, he said.

It also appealed to the United States and other Western nations to maintain diplomatic relations after withdrawing. Britain said that should happen only if the Taliban allow&nbsp;safe&nbsp;passage&nbsp;for those who want to leave and respect human rights.

The Taliban's 1996-2001 rule was marked by a harsh version of sharia, Islamic law, with many political rights and basic freedoms curtailed and women severely oppressed.

Afghanistan&nbsp;was also a hub for anti-Western militants, and Washington, London and others fear it might become so again.

CITY CALM

While Kabul's airport has been in chaos, the rest of the city has been generally calm. The Taliban have told residents to hand over government equipment including weapons and vehicles within a week.

The Western security official said crowds at the airport gates had diminished after a specific warning&nbsp;from&nbsp;the U.S. government of another attack by ISIS-K, the branch of Islamic State in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;that is an enemy of both the West and the Taliban.

The United States said on Saturday it had killed two ISIS-K militants.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;had vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the explosion and said the strike was not the last.

The Taliban condemned the US drone strike, which took place in Nangarhar province, an eastern area that borders Pakistan.

The airport attack added fuel to criticism&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;faced at home and abroad for the chaos. He has defended his decisions, saying the United States long ago achieved its rationale for invading in 2001.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain would not have wished to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in such a manner.

But Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British army, said the government need to investigate why it was so ill-prepared for the rapid fall of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to the Taliban.

"It is unfathomable why it would appear that the government was asleep on watch," Dannat told Times Radio.

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport.

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport. An explosion was heard near the airport, witnesses said, and television footage showed black smoke rising into the sky but there was no immediate word on any casualties. Two witnesses said the blast appeared to have been caused by a rocket that hit a house in an area to the northern side of the airport but there was no immediate confirmation. Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters. "We want to ensure that every foreign civilian and those who are at risk are evacuated today. Forces will start flying out once this process is over," said the official, who is stationed at the airport. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul as US official admits military strike carried out in same area US President Joe Biden has said he will stick by his deadline to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Tuesday. A US official told Reuters on Saturday that fewer than 4,000 troops remained at the airport. US and allied forces have mounted a massive two-week effort to ferry foreign nationals and tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans out of the country. The airlift, one of the biggest such evacuation operations ever, marked the end of a 20-year Western mission in Afghanistan that began when US led forces ousted a Taliban government that had provided safe haven for the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The final chapter came quickly after the United States and the Taliban made a deal to end the foreign involvement. The Western-backed government and Afghan army melted away as Taliban fighters swept across the country and took control of Kabul on August 15. The United States and allies have taken about 114,400 people out of Afghanistan in the past two weeks, but tens of thousands who want to go will be left behind. "We tried every option because our lives are in danger. They (the Americans or foreigners) must show us a way to be saved. We should leave Afghanistan or they should provide a safe place for us," said one woman outside the airport. A Taliban official told Reuters the Islamist group had engineers and technicians ready to take charge of the airport. "We are waiting for the final nod from the Americans to secure full control over Kabul airport as both sides aim for a swift handover," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Britain's last military flight left Kabul on Saturday night after a chaotic two weeks at the airport that was plunged into a bloodbath on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomb attack outside the airport gates killed at least 90 Afghans and 13 American troops. Biden headed on Sunday to Dover Air Force Base to honour members of the US military killed in the attack as their remains were returned to the United States. A top US official said the Biden administration expects the Taliban to continue allowing safe passage for Americans and others to leave Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal is completed. "The Taliban have both communicated privately and publicly that they will allow for safe passage," said Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, in a CBS TV interview set to be broadcast Sunday. FINANCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS The collapse of the Afghan government leaves an administrative vacuum that has led to fears of an economic crisis and widespread hunger. Prices for commodities like flour, oil and rice are rapidly rising and the currency is plunging, with money changers across the border in Pakistan already refusing to accept the afghani. On Saturday, officials ordered banks to re-open and imposed a limit on withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 afghani. Long queues forming outside bank branches of people trying to get money out. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the difficulties will subside quickly once the new administration is up and running. But with its economy shattered by decades of war, Afghanistan is now facing the end of billions of dollars in foreign aid poured in by Western donors. Mujahid said the Taliban would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. It had appointed governors and police chiefs in all but one of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, he said. It also appealed to the United States and other Western nations to maintain diplomatic relations after withdrawing. Britain said that should happen only if the Taliban allow safe passage for those who want to leave and respect human rights. The Taliban's 1996-2001 rule was marked by a harsh version of sharia, Islamic law, with many political rights and basic freedoms curtailed and women severely oppressed. Afghanistan was also a hub for anti-Western militants, and Washington, London and others fear it might become so again. CITY CALM While Kabul's airport has been in chaos, the rest of the city has been generally calm. The Taliban have told residents to hand over government equipment including weapons and vehicles within a week. The Western security official said crowds at the airport gates had diminished after a specific warning from the U.S. government of another attack by ISIS-K, the branch of Islamic State in Afghanistan that is an enemy of both the West and the Taliban. The United States said on Saturday it had killed two ISIS-K militants. Biden had vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the explosion and said the strike was not the last. The Taliban condemned the US drone strike, which took place in Nangarhar province, an eastern area that borders Pakistan. The airport attack added fuel to criticism Biden faced at home and abroad for the chaos. He has defended his decisions, saying the United States long ago achieved its rationale for invading in 2001. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in such a manner. But Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British army, said the government need to investigate why it was so ill-prepared for the rapid fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. "It is unfathomable why it would appear that the government was asleep on watch," Dannat told Times Radio.

US in final phase of Kabul evacuations, Taliban prepares government

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.”

Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans.

In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.”

“They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.”

On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks&nbsp;of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind.&nbsp;

Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process.

Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK.

(with inputs from agencies)

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.” Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans. In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.” “They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.” On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind. Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements. A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process. Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK. (with inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson defends Kabul evacuation amid criticism

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday.&nbsp;

The development&nbsp;comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years.

Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country.

The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Also read |&nbsp;US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul.

Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely.

However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means.

Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now."&nbsp;

“But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.”

While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out.&nbsp;

However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan.

The Taliban forces sealed off the Kabul airport to most Afghans hoping for evacuation on Sunday. The development comes as the US and its allies began winding down the chaotic airlift that will end two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan. The western leaders acknowledged that their withdrawal would mean leaving behind some of their citizens and many locals who helped them over the years. Also, they vowed to try to continue working with the Taliban to allow local allies to leave after President Joe Biden’s Tuesday’s deadline to withdraw from the country. The US planned to keep its flights going until the deadline, even after most of its allies had finished their evacuation flights. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon US said that 113,500 people had been evacuated since August 14, the day before the Taliban claimed Kabul. Biden has also warned that commanders had told him another attack was “highly likely in the next 24-36 hours,” and the US embassy issued a new warning early Sunday for all Americans to avoid the airport area entirely. However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “shift heaven and earth” to get more of those at risk from the Taliban to Britain by other means. Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, said that it was "time to close this phase of the operation now." “But we haven’t forgotten the people who still need to leave,” he said. “We’ll continue to do everything we can to help them. Nor have we forgotten the brave, decent people of Afghanistan. They deserve to live in peace and security.” While the flow of planes slowed, others arrived in locales around the world carrying Afghans who managed to secure places on the last evacuation flights, including in the Washington area, Philadelphia, Madrid, and Birmingham, England. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on Saturday that the group’s forces were holding some positions within the airport and were ready to peacefully take control of it as American forces flew out. However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied the claim.

Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan

As the deadline for the US troops' withdrawal nears, the world is rushing to evacuate its citizens and vulnerable Afghans and the forefront is the United States. WION brings you all about the final phase of evacuation in Kabul.

As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan

Taliban has ramped up security at Kabul airport. The city is in mourning mode after Taliban's capture and the subsequent bombings in Kabul.

Deserted look in Kabul after recent bombings near Hamid Karzai International Airport

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”.

On Friday, the US military said it carried out a drone strike against a "planner" of the IS-K following the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport.

“The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target," said Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command.

“We know of no civilian casualties,” he added in a statement announcing the first reported US strike since the attack.

The strike, launched from outside of Afghanistan, came as the airlift of evacuees from Kabul airport continued under much-heightened security after Thursday's attack.

At least 78 people were killed, including 13 US troops, when a suicide attacker exploded a bomb in the dense crowd in front of the airport's Abbey Gate. Some media reported that fatalities numbered close to 200.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid Mujahid said the militant organisation is expected to take full control of Kabul airport very shortly, once US forces leave, and would announce a full cabinet in the coming days.

He said officials had already been appointed to run key institutions including the ministries of public health and education and the central bank.

He also said he expected the serious economic turbulence which has hit the Afghani currency to ease soon.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”.

The Taliban on Saturday condemned a drone strike by the US against the militant of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) which took credit for the suicide attack outside the Kabul airport, terming, the operation as a “clear attack on Afghan territory”. On Friday, the US military said it carried out a drone strike against a "planner" of the IS-K following the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport. “The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial indications are that we killed the target," said Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command. “We know of no civilian casualties,” he added in a statement announcing the first reported US strike since the attack. The strike, launched from outside of Afghanistan, came as the airlift of evacuees from Kabul airport continued under much-heightened security after Thursday's attack. At least 78 people were killed, including 13 US troops, when a suicide attacker exploded a bomb in the dense crowd in front of the airport's Abbey Gate. Some media reported that fatalities numbered close to 200. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid Mujahid said the militant organisation is expected to take full control of Kabul airport very shortly, once US forces leave, and would announce a full cabinet in the coming days. He said officials had already been appointed to run key institutions including the ministries of public health and education and the central bank. He also said he expected the serious economic turbulence which has hit the Afghani currency to ease soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul airport blasts: Taliban condemn US drone attack on IS-K militant

Kabuliwalas living in Kolkata worried about their families in Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

'Kabuliwala' worry about their relatives in Kabul

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation <a href="https://t.co/CnrW8aIzti">pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti</a>
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The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank.

According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated&nbsp;seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are:

1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister.

2. Sadr Ibrahim named as&nbsp;the acting interior minister.

3. Najibullah named as&nbsp; Afghanistan’s intelligence chief

4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education.

5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul.

6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul.

7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister.

Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions.

He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said.

Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US&nbsp;military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government

Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban.

Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016.

While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation. #Taliban have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × #BREAKING | Abdul Baqi Haqqani has been appointed as the Acting Higher Education Minister by Taliban pic.twitter.com/lOj0czQZOQ — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank. According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are: 1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister. 2. Sadr Ibrahim named as the acting interior minister. 3. Najibullah named as Afghanistan’s intelligence chief 4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education. 5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul. 6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul. 7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister. Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions. He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said. Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban. Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016. While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban appoint acting higher education minister, director of sport’s federation

The United States urged its&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;Friday to "immediately"&nbsp;leave&nbsp;the&nbsp;gates&nbsp;around&nbsp;Kabul's&nbsp;airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule.

Earlier Friday, the Pentagon said that the high-risk&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airlift operation to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies still faced "specific, credible threats".

"US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;who are at the Abbey gate, East gate, North gate or the New Ministry of Interior gate now should&nbsp;leave&nbsp;immediately," the US Embassy in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;said in a security alert.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-list-biden-says-us-troops-may-have-handed-a-list-of-american-citizens-to-taliban-408871">Also read |&nbsp;Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban</a>

"Because of security threats at the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport, we continue to advise US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;to avoid traveling to the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;and to avoid&nbsp;airport&nbsp;gates," the embassy said.

The alert gave no further details on what the security threats might be, but it followed Thursday's attack that killed scores of people including 13 US servicemen.

The blast claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group targeted US forces, but hit hardest the mass of people who had converged on the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban's feared hardline rule.

The United States urged its citizens Friday to "immediately" leave the gates around Kabul's airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule.

The United States urged its citizens Friday to "immediately" leave the gates around Kabul's airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule. Earlier Friday, the Pentagon said that the high-risk Kabul airlift operation to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies still faced "specific, credible threats". "US citizens who are at the Abbey gate, East gate, North gate or the New Ministry of Interior gate now should leave immediately," the US Embassy in Kabul said in a security alert. Also read | Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban "Because of security threats at the Kabul airport, we continue to advise US citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates," the embassy said. The alert gave no further details on what the security threats might be, but it followed Thursday's attack that killed scores of people including 13 US servicemen. The blast claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group targeted US forces, but hit hardest the mass of people who had converged on the airport in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban's feared hardline rule.

US tells citizens to leave Kabul airport gates 'immediately'

In pics| Kabul residents protest against closure of banks

Two Britons and a child of another UK national were killed in the twin bombings at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. Watch this report to know more.

Two UK nationals among dead in Kabul airport attack

The Americans called him “Mikey,” and as an interpreter for the Special Forces he did not just bridge language gaps. He did everything from easing negotiations with local Afghans loyal to the Taliban to warning a convoy away from an ambush.

“Mikey wasn’t just a regular interpreter,” recalls Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Torres, a Texan who served in the Special Forces. “He was our lifeline. He went everywhere we went on the most remote and dangerous missions. It was because of him that we returned home alive after deployments.”

But the day after Kabul fell to the Taliban, the 34-year-old Afghan was on his own.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-joe-biden-demanding-answers-over-afghanistan-china-terrorism-nuclear-weapon-and-more-409006" hreflang="en">US lawmakers write to Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China and more</a>

Determined to get out of Afghanistan, he was making a desperate run to the airport with his wife and two young sons when they were caught in gunfire amid the crush of people who had gathered there to escape. His wife and one son, 6, were both shot in the foot.

As he carried the bloodied and screaming child in search of a hospital, Mikey says, he flashed back to his time on the battlefield with US forces.

“I kept thinking, after everything I did for the Americans,” he said. “After all my hard work and risking my life, now this is what happens to my family? They are leaving us to die here.”

Mikey — who is being identified by his American nickname for safety reasons — is one of tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the United States and have applications pending for expedited visas allowing them to resettle in America. President Joe Biden has pledged that Afghan allies will be welcomed to “their new homes” and called the situation on the ground “heartbreaking.”

But the evacuation of US&nbsp;citizens and green-card holders remains the immediate priority of the military operation underway at the Kabul airport. That means that for many Afghans who worked with the United States, there is little to do but wait — and try to keep out of the sights of the Taliban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heart-wrenching-details-of-some-of-the-13-us-troops-killed-in-afghan-bombings-409001">Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings</a>

Mikey worked as an interpreter for the Special Forces from 2009 to 2012 in Kandahar, and from 2015 to 2017 in Kabul. He was once so badly wounded in an explosion that he had to be airlifted to a field hospital.

The night his wife and son were shot, Mikey got them into a hospital and then went into hiding. Preferring rooms without windows, he switched locations four times in one week.

He was waiting for the US government to give him an evacuation plan. He was waiting for the approval of his visa application.

And he was waiting for the Taliban to find him.

In interviews from his bunkers in Kabul as events unfolded over the past week, Mikey talked about the ordeal of trying to keep himself alive and his family safe in the chaos left behind by the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. With no word from the US&nbsp;government about when or how he might get out, he realized that the bonds he had forged with U.S. soldiers might offer his only hope for safe passage.

That is where Torres, who now lives in Pecos, Texas, came in.

He had worked with Mikey on multiple deployments, and now he had a new battle: leading a global operation to get him out.

To coordinate those efforts, Torres and a group of about 20 former and current members of the military formed a WhatsApp chat group and an email thread. They reached out to military and Department of State contacts, along with members of Congress, to try to get Mikey and his family onto a military evacuation plane.

They say they understand why US citizens are getting priority when it comes to evacuations. The outrage is over the lack of a clear plan for all those Afghans who worked side by side with the Americans, who may have targets on their backs now that the Taliban is in control.

“It’s infuriating,” Torres said. “My heart breaks for everyone who doesn’t have the support Mikey has.”

It was not the case that Mikey tried to get out of Afghanistan only when the danger became clear.

He started his special visa application in 2012, when he was in Kandahar with the military. He had his interview, one of the final steps in the process, in November 2018 when he worked at Camp Duskin in Kabul. He is still waiting for medical tests and approval. Emails he has sent to follow up on his application have gone unanswered.

Across the US, members of the armed forces are leading their own campaigns to pressure the Biden administration to scale up the evacuation of Afghans who worked as their interpreters. They have taken to social media and created fundraising campaigns such as “Help Our Interpreters.”

Military interpreters are among the most vulnerable of Afghan allies. The nature of their work required that they accompany military personnel in the battlefield and be present during interactions with locals. If residents of the areas where they worked were hostile to Americans, the interpreters could be easily identified for the Taliban.

Mikey was a teenager in Kabul when the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001. In high school he worked hard to learn English, and his language teacher suggested he work as an interpreter for the Americans after graduation.

He was dispatched to Kandahar airfield, one of the largest US military bases in Afghanistan, and from there to multiple remote outposts, quickly working his way up to become a lead interpreter.

“Mikey was always fun to be around, very open-minded with a very big heart,” said Sgt. First Class Raymond Steele, an active member of Special Forces who has stayed in regular contact with him over the years.

Mikey listened to communications to intercept threats, talking to local tribal leaders in person and on his phone. On one patrol, he got word of an ambush and of insurgents burying explosive devices in their path.

“I felt proud of my job because it felt like I was helping my country,” Mikey said.

Between stints in Kandahar and Kabul, Mikey got married. He bought a car and worked as a taxi driver in Kabul. He and his wife had children.

But the US era in Afghanistan was ending — and the Taliban’s resuming. That left countless Afghans feeling helpless and adrift, as Mikey was when we spoke by phone last Saturday night.

“We are in the dark,” he told me. “My American friends say just wait, wait to see what happens. Be ready to leave when we tell you.”

Then Monday around 4 p.m. Mikey received an astonishing text from Torres: We are going to get you out, it said. Get ready now. Wait for instructions.

The mission to rescue Mikey, with the help of current and former military contacts on the ground, was in motion — and things were moving quickly. In a space of two hours, Mikey and his family were hidden in a car, their documents stashed, heading for a gate at the Kabul airport where members of the military were expecting him.

They welcomed him, taking his family to a clinic so his wife and son’s bullet wounds could be treated. The children got candy.

When Torres got the call that Mikey was finally in the clear, he broke into sobs. He never cries, he says. Steele called Mikey and shouted, “I love you, man.”

On Tuesday, Mikey and his family flew out of Afghanistan aboard a US military plane, his initial destination withheld for security reasons.

It was his son’s sixth birthday.

“I am extremely relieved and happy,” Mikey said during a call from the tarmac in Kabul as he waited to board the plane. “My infinite gratitude for the help and kindness of my American brothers. You gave us a second chance at life.”

The Americans called him “Mikey,” and as an interpreter for the Special Forces he did not just bridge language gaps. He did everything from easing negotiations with local Afghans loyal to the Taliban to warning a convoy away from an ambush.

The Americans called him “Mikey,” and as an interpreter for the Special Forces he did not just bridge language gaps. He did everything from easing negotiations with local Afghans loyal to the Taliban to warning a convoy away from an ambush. “Mikey wasn’t just a regular interpreter,” recalls Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Torres, a Texan who served in the Special Forces. “He was our lifeline. He went everywhere we went on the most remote and dangerous missions. It was because of him that we returned home alive after deployments.” But the day after Kabul fell to the Taliban, the 34-year-old Afghan was on his own. Also read | US lawmakers write to Biden demanding answers over Afghanistan, China and more Determined to get out of Afghanistan, he was making a desperate run to the airport with his wife and two young sons when they were caught in gunfire amid the crush of people who had gathered there to escape. His wife and one son, 6, were both shot in the foot. As he carried the bloodied and screaming child in search of a hospital, Mikey says, he flashed back to his time on the battlefield with US forces. “I kept thinking, after everything I did for the Americans,” he said. “After all my hard work and risking my life, now this is what happens to my family? They are leaving us to die here.” Mikey — who is being identified by his American nickname for safety reasons — is one of tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the United States and have applications pending for expedited visas allowing them to resettle in America. President Joe Biden has pledged that Afghan allies will be welcomed to “their new homes” and called the situation on the ground “heartbreaking.” But the evacuation of US citizens and green-card holders remains the immediate priority of the military operation underway at the Kabul airport. That means that for many Afghans who worked with the United States, there is little to do but wait — and try to keep out of the sights of the Taliban. Also read | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings Mikey worked as an interpreter for the Special Forces from 2009 to 2012 in Kandahar, and from 2015 to 2017 in Kabul. He was once so badly wounded in an explosion that he had to be airlifted to a field hospital. The night his wife and son were shot, Mikey got them into a hospital and then went into hiding. Preferring rooms without windows, he switched locations four times in one week. He was waiting for the US government to give him an evacuation plan. He was waiting for the approval of his visa application. And he was waiting for the Taliban to find him. In interviews from his bunkers in Kabul as events unfolded over the past week, Mikey talked about the ordeal of trying to keep himself alive and his family safe in the chaos left behind by the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. With no word from the US government about when or how he might get out, he realized that the bonds he had forged with U.S. soldiers might offer his only hope for safe passage. That is where Torres, who now lives in Pecos, Texas, came in. He had worked with Mikey on multiple deployments, and now he had a new battle: leading a global operation to get him out. To coordinate those efforts, Torres and a group of about 20 former and current members of the military formed a WhatsApp chat group and an email thread. They reached out to military and Department of State contacts, along with members of Congress, to try to get Mikey and his family onto a military evacuation plane. They say they understand why US citizens are getting priority when it comes to evacuations. The outrage is over the lack of a clear plan for all those Afghans who worked side by side with the Americans, who may have targets on their backs now that the Taliban is in control. “It’s infuriating,” Torres said. “My heart breaks for everyone who doesn’t have the support Mikey has.” It was not the case that Mikey tried to get out of Afghanistan only when the danger became clear. He started his special visa application in 2012, when he was in Kandahar with the military. He had his interview, one of the final steps in the process, in November 2018 when he worked at Camp Duskin in Kabul. He is still waiting for medical tests and approval. Emails he has sent to follow up on his application have gone unanswered. Across the US, members of the armed forces are leading their own campaigns to pressure the Biden administration to scale up the evacuation of Afghans who worked as their interpreters. They have taken to social media and created fundraising campaigns such as “Help Our Interpreters.” Military interpreters are among the most vulnerable of Afghan allies. The nature of their work required that they accompany military personnel in the battlefield and be present during interactions with locals. If residents of the areas where they worked were hostile to Americans, the interpreters could be easily identified for the Taliban. Mikey was a teenager in Kabul when the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001. In high school he worked hard to learn English, and his language teacher suggested he work as an interpreter for the Americans after graduation. He was dispatched to Kandahar airfield, one of the largest US military bases in Afghanistan, and from there to multiple remote outposts, quickly working his way up to become a lead interpreter. “Mikey was always fun to be around, very open-minded with a very big heart,” said Sgt. First Class Raymond Steele, an active member of Special Forces who has stayed in regular contact with him over the years. Mikey listened to communications to intercept threats, talking to local tribal leaders in person and on his phone. On one patrol, he got word of an ambush and of insurgents burying explosive devices in their path. “I felt proud of my job because it felt like I was helping my country,” Mikey said. Between stints in Kandahar and Kabul, Mikey got married. He bought a car and worked as a taxi driver in Kabul. He and his wife had children. But the US era in Afghanistan was ending — and the Taliban’s resuming. That left countless Afghans feeling helpless and adrift, as Mikey was when we spoke by phone last Saturday night. “We are in the dark,” he told me. “My American friends say just wait, wait to see what happens. Be ready to leave when we tell you.” Then Monday around 4 p.m. Mikey received an astonishing text from Torres: We are going to get you out, it said. Get ready now. Wait for instructions. The mission to rescue Mikey, with the help of current and former military contacts on the ground, was in motion — and things were moving quickly. In a space of two hours, Mikey and his family were hidden in a car, their documents stashed, heading for a gate at the Kabul airport where members of the military were expecting him. They welcomed him, taking his family to a clinic so his wife and son’s bullet wounds could be treated. The children got candy. When Torres got the call that Mikey was finally in the clear, he broke into sobs. He never cries, he says. Steele called Mikey and shouted, “I love you, man.” On Tuesday, Mikey and his family flew out of Afghanistan aboard a US military plane, his initial destination withheld for security reasons. It was his son’s sixth birthday. “I am extremely relieved and happy,” Mikey said during a call from the tarmac in Kabul as he waited to board the plane. “My infinite gratitude for the help and kindness of my American brothers. You gave us a second chance at life.”

A stranded interpreter, and the soldiers who would not let go

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

Britain&nbsp;earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities.

"Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heart-wrenching-details-of-some-of-the-13-us-troops-killed-in-afghan-bombings-409001">Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings</a>

"This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said.

The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban.

An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported.

"We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report.

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"Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago.

Britain&nbsp;has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban. Britain earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities. "Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings "This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said. The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban. An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported. "We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers "Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago. Britain has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.

UK says more can be done for Afghans who have arrived in Britain

Taliban have claimed to enter Kabul airport. A security alert has been issued at the airport.

Taliban claims to enter Kabul airport

British former Royal Marine who runs an animal shelter in Kabul, Afghanistan, Paul 'Pen' Farthing, says that he was denied entry to the airport due to a change in paperwork rules.&nbsp;

Blaming Joe Biden, he said that he "went through hell" to reach the airport and was turned away as the US government had changed paperwork rules just two hours earlier.

He was caught up in the deadly explosions outside Kabul airport in which dozens of people were killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

Taking to Twitter, he wrote that he and his whole team, along with the animals, were safely inside the airport perimeter when he was told that Biden had "changed policy" on who could leave.&nbsp;

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The whole team &amp; dogs/cats were safely 300m inside the airport perimeter. We were turned away as <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> had changed paperwork rules just 2 hours earlier. Went through hell to get there &amp; we were turned away into the chaos of those devastating explosions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationArk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationArk</a>
— Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) <a href="https://twitter.com/PenFarthing/status/1431109185207521280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He said they were "turned away into the chaos of those devastating explosions."

Pen Farthing had launched a widely-covered campaign earlier this month to evacuate his shelter's 200 animals, along with his staff and their families, out of Kabul.&nbsp;

He chartered a $500,000 plane to land at Kabul airport for the rescue operation which has been named&nbsp;as Operation Ark.

He was questioned as to why he was not escorted by the British government. To this he replied that the&nbsp;US controlled the Kabul airport internally, so their rules "trumped" the British paperwork he carried.

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The US control the airport (internally) so it trumped the British paperwork we had.
— Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) <a href="https://twitter.com/PenFarthing/status/1431110710982029313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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No ‘pets before people’ is a phrase that’ll come to haunt <a href="https://twitter.com/BWallaceMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BWallaceMP</a> &amp; other MPs who agreed with him. This flight would’ve also been evacuating qualified Afghan veterinary staff &amp; their families fleeing from the Taliban. It was as much a humanitarian mission as any <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NowzadRescue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NowzadRescue</a>
— Kina R-H (@KinaRestall) <a href="https://twitter.com/KinaRestall/status/1431162188719341570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is devastating news. I don't want to think about those poor animals and what will become of them now. 😥
— nicola twaddle (@n_twaddle) <a href="https://twitter.com/n_twaddle/status/1431318394796707854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pen Farthing&nbsp;said that it was&nbsp;'just so depressing' he had to leave his staff in Afghanistan as he prepared to fly off with 180 animals. He told how his employees were stopped from crossing the Taliban&nbsp;line to the British area at Kabul airport.

His desperate comments were in sharp contrast to his wife, who last night spoke that her husband and his furry friends were on their way home. Kaisa Markhus, who fled Afghanistan last week for her native Norway, was eating dinner with her father in Oslo when she was told he was getting out.

British former Royal Marine who runs an animal shelter in Kabul, Afghanistan, Paul 'Pen' Farthing, says that he was denied entry to the airport due to a change in paperwork rules.

British former Royal Marine who runs an animal shelter in Kabul, Afghanistan, Paul 'Pen' Farthing, says that he was denied entry to the airport due to a change in paperwork rules. Blaming Joe Biden, he said that he "went through hell" to reach the airport and was turned away as the US government had changed paperwork rules just two hours earlier. He was caught up in the deadly explosions outside Kabul airport in which dozens of people were killed. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon Taking to Twitter, he wrote that he and his whole team, along with the animals, were safely inside the airport perimeter when he was told that Biden had "changed policy" on who could leave. The whole team & dogs/cats were safely 300m inside the airport perimeter. We were turned away as @JoeBiden @POTUS had changed paperwork rules just 2 hours earlier. Went through hell to get there & we were turned away into the chaos of those devastating explosions. #OperationArk — Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) August 27, 2021 × He said they were "turned away into the chaos of those devastating explosions." Pen Farthing had launched a widely-covered campaign earlier this month to evacuate his shelter's 200 animals, along with his staff and their families, out of Kabul. He chartered a $500,000 plane to land at Kabul airport for the rescue operation which has been named as Operation Ark. He was questioned as to why he was not escorted by the British government. To this he replied that the US controlled the Kabul airport internally, so their rules "trumped" the British paperwork he carried. The US control the airport (internally) so it trumped the British paperwork we had. — Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) August 27, 2021 × No ‘pets before people’ is a phrase that’ll come to haunt @BWallaceMP & other MPs who agreed with him. This flight would’ve also been evacuating qualified Afghan veterinary staff & their families fleeing from the Taliban. It was as much a humanitarian mission as any #NowzadRescue — Kina R-H (@KinaRestall) August 27, 2021 × This is devastating news. I don't want to think about those poor animals and what will become of them now. 😥 — nicola twaddle (@n_twaddle) August 27, 2021 × Pen Farthing said that it was 'just so depressing' he had to leave his staff in Afghanistan as he prepared to fly off with 180 animals. He told how his employees were stopped from crossing the Taliban line to the British area at Kabul airport. His desperate comments were in sharp contrast to his wife, who last night spoke that her husband and his furry friends were on their way home. Kaisa Markhus, who fled Afghanistan last week for her native Norway, was eating dinner with her father in Oslo when she was told he was getting out.

British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.&nbsp;

To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals.&nbsp;

So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including&nbsp;citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/momentous-feat-pm-modi-hails-indias-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-in-single-day-408962">'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day</a>

Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reopens-schools-for-classes-ix-to-xii-from-september-1-408959">Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1</a>

Watch:

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"People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said.&nbsp;

"We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added.&nbsp;

He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged.&nbsp;

India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul.&nbsp;

(inputs from agencies)

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process. To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals. So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated. ALSO READ | 'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan. One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Watch: × "People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said. "We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added. He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged. India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul. (inputs from agencies)

'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government

The deadly twin blast outside the Kabul Airport has now shaken the US administration to its core. In the attack, 13 US troops were killed. This has intensified political pressure on Joe Biden from all sides.

Deadly twin-blast at Kabul airport shakes US administration to its core

At least 60 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members have died at the Kabul airport on Thursday when two blasts ripped through crowds trying to enter the American-controlled facility, disrupting the final push of the US-led evacuation effort.

Kabul Airport Blast: 60 Afghans & 13 US troops killed in suicide bomb attack

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

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured.

"We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack on Kabul airport," spokesman John Kirby confirmed. "A number of others are being treated for wounds."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-twin-blasts-rock-kabul-13-killed-60-injured-at-afghanistan-evacuation-site-408582" hreflang="en">Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 140 injured at Afghan evacuation site</a></h2>

A statement from the Pentagon confirmed the news that several US troops have been killed in the attack and many others are being treated for their injuries.

"We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured."

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Meanwhile, Taliban also openly condemned these blasts labelling it to be 'evil circles'. "The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security,"&nbsp;a tweet from the official Twitter account of the spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, read. "The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped."

The US suspects that the Kabul airport attacks have been carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan, who were reportedly unhappy with Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured.

At least 10 US troops, including four Marines, have been killed in the twin bomb attack that took place near the Kabul Airport on Thursday, and several others have been injured. "We can confirm that a number of US service members were killed in today's complex attack on Kabul airport," spokesman John Kirby confirmed. "A number of others are being treated for wounds." Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 140 injured at Afghan evacuation site A statement from the Pentagon confirmed the news that several US troops have been killed in the attack and many others are being treated for their injuries. "We can confirm that a number of U.S. service members were killed in today’s complex attack at Kabul airport. A number of others are being treated for wounds. We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and injured." Meanwhile, Taliban also openly condemned these blasts labelling it to be 'evil circles'. "The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security," a tweet from the official Twitter account of the spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, read. "The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped." The US suspects that the Kabul airport attacks have been carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan, who were reportedly unhappy with Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

At least 10 US troops killed and many injured in Kabul airport attack: Pentagon

12 days into the rushed evacuation process from Kabul and five days before its scheduled completion, deadly suicide attacks evolved at Kabul airport. But, US President Joe Biden remained undeterred from the evacuation mission.

Biden remains undeterred from US evacuation mission despite Kabul airport blast

The Taliban has named key ministerial posts, where the group's senior veterans have been appointed for the post of finance minister and defence minister.

Taliban appoint senior veterans as finance and defence minister in Afghanistan

World leaders condemned the bomb blasts on Thursday which tore through crowds of people at Kabul airport who were hoping to board flights to safety.

Kabul Airport Blasts: World leaders react to 'cowardly', 'inhuman' suicide bomb attack

Just two days back Western forces were warned against extending the August 31 deadline for airlifts. The Taliban had asked the US to stop evacuating Afghans. A flight with a seating capacity of 345 people left Kabul near-empty. Are the Taliban not letting Afghans board flights?

Charter flights leaving Kabul nearly empty despite desperate attempts to evacuate

The deadly attack on the Kabul airport is being blamed on the ISIS-K or Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). WION tells you more about this terrorist organization.

Reports: ISIS-Khorasan behind Kabul airport blasts that killed dozens

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