Taliban: "12 Dead at Kabul Airport... Return if You Do Not Have Boarding Authorization"

Hundreds of Afghan citizens are running alongside a US military C-17 transport aircraft as it moves at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] It has been confirmed by the Taliban that 12 people died as crowds gathered at Kabul Airport, the capital of Afghanistan.

According to a major foreign news outlet on the 19th, a Taliban official said, "Since the 15th, 12 people have died inside or around the airport," adding, "Some were shot or trampled to death."

He continued, "There are still many people gathered at the airport," emphasizing, "Citizens without legitimate boarding rights should return home. We do not want anyone to get hurt."

Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul has seen a flood of people trying to escape since the Taliban took power. When thousands of citizens crowded onto the runway, U.S. forces fired to disperse the crowd, resulting in fatalities. Additionally, some died after falling while clinging to boarding stairs to get on planes or falling from the wheels of aircraft taking off.

Following the casualties, Kabul Airport temporarily suspended all civilian flights. Operations resumed only after the runway was secured.

However, the actual death toll may be much higher. Local media reported, citing Taliban leaders, that at least 40 people died from shootings and other causes.

Currently, crowds continue to gather at Kabul Airport, causing ongoing congestion. This is because it is considered the virtually only escape route after the Taliban fully occupied the capital, Kabul.

Kabul Airport is still under U.S. military control. Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, announced the previous day, "We are discussing with the Taliban to ensure safe passage for all those wishing to reach Kabul Airport."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.