Kabul airport attack: Global leaders condemn the horrific attack

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards.

The blast occurred near the Abbey gate entry, where British forces have recently been stationed.

It was one of three gates that had been shut after terrorist threats were issued.

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Various images and videos have emerged on social media showing people, including children, walking around in shock at the scene. People with noticeable injuries and blood can also be seen.

Condemning the attack, global leaders expressed their grief for the lives lost.

US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted that "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can."

Ex Vice President of US, Mike Pence, urged America to do whatever it is in its power and protect the troops.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allied forces should continue to evacuate as many vulnerable people as they can from Kabul despite what he branded a "horrific terrorist attack".

"Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible," he tweeted after two deadly explosions hit crowds on the perimeter of the airport in Afghanistan's capital.

France, however, is still seeking to evacuate hundreds more people from Afghanistan ahead of a looming deadline, President Emmanuel Macronsaidwarning of an "extremely risky" situation in the wake of blasts around Kabul airport.

"We will do everything we can" to bring to France Afghan citizens and dual nationals who had been in its embassy and are currently outside the perimeter of the airport in 20 buses, Macron said on a visit to Ireland.

"We are talking about several hundred people who are still in danger," he said. "I cannot guarantee you today that we will be able to carry out these operations, because the security situation is not under our control."

President JoeBiden is being briefed on the bloody attack against Kabul's airport, the White House. "The president has been briefed and he is in the Situation Room," an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

As a result of the crisis, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett planned for 11:30 "will be delayed," a White House official said.

"There is not yet an updated time for the meeting," a spokesman for Bennett said, adding the delay was due "to the events in Afghanistan."

The spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, also condemned the deadly blasts saying the "attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed."

Calling it a "heinous" attack, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the attack."We don't know all the details yet but the terrorists targeted people waiting at the airport gates who were hoping to leave," Merkel said. "They wanted security and freedom and that is why it is an absolutely heinous attack in a very, very tense situation."

UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference and condemned the attack. He offered condolences to the locals of Afghanistan and the US military troops stationed in Kabul right now.

"We extend our condolences both to the United States of America and the people ofAfghanistan," Johnson said. He also assured that the UK will continue evacuating British passport holders and others from Kabul as the evacuation was near the end, anyhow.

India, too, extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.