France to withdraw Afghanistan ambassador following explosions

By Alattin Dogru

PARIS (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that his ambassador to Kabul will not remain in Afghanistan.

During a visit to Dublin, Ireland, Macron said the security situation in the region is tense after explosions in the Afghan capital.

For security reasons, the ambassador will for now serve from Paris, he said.

France evacuated 2,600 people, Macron said, adding that Paris wanted to continue evacuations.

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

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.