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Explosions were confirmed at the Kabul International Airport's gates in Afghanistan where at least 60 people were injured in the attack and 12 Marines and a Navy medic are among the fatalities, according to NPR News.
"I'm devastated to hear about the explosion at #HKIA, and am praying for the families of those targeted in this attack and our brave service members working there," U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Houston) wrote in an Aug. 26 Twitter post.
One of the attacks occurred at Abbey Gate at the airport, an area U.S. Embassy officials had warned U.S. citizens to steer clear of because of concerns of an attack.
"We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of U.S. and civilian casualties," John Kirby, press secretary for the Pentagon, wrote in an Aug. 26 Twitter post. "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."
The attacks were carried out by two suicide bombers and gunmen and were not believed to be carried out by Taliban forces. ISIS has taken responsibility for the attacks.
"The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where U.S. forces are responsible for security," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote in a tweet.
Government officials warned that more attacks are expected in Afghanistan.
According to the Washington Post, the deaths of American service members were the first since the first quarter of 2020.
During a speech from the White House, President Joe Biden said that the Islamic State would be punished for the attacks and that additional U.S. troops may be sent to Afghanistan.
“We will hunt you down and make you pay,” Biden said in his speech.
Biden also added that the attacks have not affected Aug. 31 deadline for the U.S. to exit Afghanistan and end evacuation efforts.