UPDATE 4 - Explosions outside Kabul airport claim casualties

UPDATES WITH REPORTS ON US MILITARY CASUALTIES

By Sayed Khodaiberdi Sadat and Kasim Ileri

KABUL, Afghanistan/WASHINGTON (AA) - Two explosions took place outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry, with an unspecified number of casualties reported by the US Pentagon.

"There were two explosions outside of Kabul Airport. There is no damage or casualties in our units," the ministry said on Twitter.

A fresh explosion was also heard Kabul later in the evening, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Twitter: “We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.”

In a separate statement on Twitter, Kirby also confirmed that "a number" of US troops had been killed in the attack, with "a number of others" being treated for wounds.

"We also know that a number of Afghans fell victim to this heinous attack," he added.

At least 25 people were killed and 90 injured, said news channel Al-Jazeera, citing the Taliban, which earlier this month gained control of Kabul and most of Afghanistan but not the airport.

US media outlets cited officials in reporting that 12 American troops were killed and three others injured.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the explosions were the result of a suicide attack and that at least three US soldiers were among the injured.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack on Twitter: “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where security is in the hands of US forces.”

“The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people, and evil circles will be strictly stopped,” he added.

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 for evacuation, and large crowds have gathered outside the airport grounds, seeking a way inside to get a flight out.