The danger of a car bomb attack on the airport in Kabul is “high”, announced the naval general, who heads the central command, on Thursday, although the military continues to arrange evacuations after a “suicide” bomb attack.
Navy Gen. Kenneth McKenzie told reporters that a vehicle bomb is one of several threats the airport faces in the scheduled final days of the US evacuation.
McKenzie, who identified ISIS-K as the likely perpetrator of the attack, said enemies were also interested in launching rocket attacks on the airport in an attempt to disrupt the evacuation and kill Americans.
“We know they’d like to fire a missile there if they could,” he said, outlining three major potential threats.
He also said terrorists are working on a “suicide vehicle” from small to large in size near the airport and the crowds. “You’re working with all of these options,” McKenzie said.
Marine General Kenneth McKenzie warned that ISIS was attempting car bombing and other suicide bombings while listing the threat of potential missile strikes pointing to the US evacuation in Kabul. aim
A third option appears to have worked: a person armed with a suicide vest.
“We just saw their ability to deliver a walk-in,” he said.
The US is preparing for the new threats. To counter the missile threat, there are missile and mortar capabilities that he described as “fairly effective”. He said there is a well-positioned limit.
He said the US is “cutting back on the information we give the Taliban,” but also stressed the key role that Taliban checkpoints play in the security situation.
“We also use the Taliban as an instrument to protect ourselves as well as possible,” he said. He says the US has turned to the Taliban to get them to keep breaking security lines. He says the US has “identified some streets that we would like to close”.
The US is taking new precautions at the crowded Kabul airport
General McKenzie said the evacuation mission was continuing
McKenzie said ISIS-K was behind the bombing
A member of the US military speaks to Afghan evacuees at the US Air Force Base Ramstein McKenzie on August 26, 2021
McKenzie said the US asked the Taliban to roll back checkpoints when he confirmed that 12 US soldiers had been killed
A military aircraft takes off from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021
The military also has drones that provide surveillance and security, as well as manned aircraft. He specifically mentioned MQ-9 Reaper drones, which enable armed surveillance at high altitudes. The military also has AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, F-15 jets, and AC-130 attack helicopters in the air.
McKenzie said the attack helicopter had “a very powerful aiming system”. He called it a “very visible platform” adding, “We know from years of experience that visual demonstrations of this type of ISR scare off attackers because they know that if we see them and do it, we will strike.” immediately.’
“We will be ready to do so if it becomes necessary to defend the base,” he said.
McKenzie said, however, that checkpoints manned by U.S. forces were essential to search people entering the airport for potential threats despite the risks of exposure.
“There is no substitute for a young man or woman, young US man or woman to conduct a search,” he said.
McKenzie also pointed out the threat posed by departing planes – which could lead to a mass accident.
“They shot our planes every now and then with no effect. We think it will continue like this, ”he predicted.
McKenzie confirms that 12 US soldiers were killed and at least 15 injured in attacks. These include 11 U.S. Marines and a Navy medic.
“As you know, two suicide bombers classified as IS fighters exploded near the Abbey Gate at the airport and near the Baron Hotel.
“The attack on Abbey Gate was followed by an attack by ISIS gunmen who opened fire on civilian and US forces.
“At this point we know that 12 US soldiers were killed in the attack and another 15 were injured. A number of Afghan civilians were also killed or injured. ‘
“We continue to focus on protecting our armed forces and the evacuees,” he said in opening remarks.
“Although we are saddened by the loss of life,” he said, “we will continue to carry out the mission.”
McKenzie said he wasn’t looking for additional troops and said, “We have what we need to protect ourselves.”
