India condemns terror attacks in Afghan capital Kabul

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - India on Thursday strongly condemned attacks outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday.

The country's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Thursday night extending "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack."

The ministry statement also said that the attacks "reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists."

Two explosions took place outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry, with an unspecified number of casualties reported by the US Pentagon.

A third blast was also heard in the city by an Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

At least 25 people were killed and 90 injured in the explosion, according to Al-Jazeera, which cited the Taliban. The hardline group gained control of Kabul and most of Afghanistan earlier this month, but not the airport.

US media outlets reported that at least 12 American service members were killed and three others injured.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least two of the explosions were the result of suicide attacks.

US forces are in control of the airport as evacuations continue ahead of an Aug. 31 deadline -- the only area of the country still under US control.

Thousands of people are waiting at the airport to be evacuated and large crowds have gathered outside the airport grounds, seeking a way inside to get a flight out.