US missile malfunctions, causing casualties after insurgents attack Kabul airport

A U.S.-fired missile malfunctioned after insurgents attacked the international airport in the Afghan capital on Wednesday, causing casualties, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement.

On Wednesday morning, insurgents attacked the area near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul with suicide vests and several rockets. One person was killed, according to Afghanistan’s TOLO News.

“The Afghan Crisis Response Unit 222 responded quickly to confront the attackers and end the assault. U.S. forces acting in support conducted an airstrike. Tragically, one of the missiles malfunctioned, causing several casualties,” the Resolute Support statement said.

The mission said it started an investigation into the incident, which took place hours after U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. TOLO said as many as 20 to 30 explosions were heard during the assault.

This post was first published by our sister site, The Globe Post