Kabul bombings: US hits back at IS 'planner' with drone strike in Afghanistan, claims target killed
text_fields
Washington: Following the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport that claimed the lives of dozens, the US military said Friday it had carried out a drone strike against a "planner" of the Islamic State-Khorasan, the group which claimed credit for the attack.
As per Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command, the unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan with initial indications suggesting that the target has been killed.
In a statement announcing the first reported US strike since the attack, he said that no civilian casualties have been reported.
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.
US officials said gunmen opened fire after the explosion, adding to the carnage
The attack was carried out by the violent Afghan arm of the Islamic State group.
Following the attack, US President Joe Biden vowed retaliation.
"To 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 Thursday.
On Friday afternoon Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said they believe the group planned to strike the airlift again.
"We still believe there are credible threats... specific, credible threats," he said.