Militants attack Kabul airport during Mattis visit, US strike kills civilians

KABUL: Suicide bombers and militants firing mortars attacked Kabul’s airport during a visit by US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, prompting a US air strike that accidentally killed civilians, officials said.

The clashes and casualties overshadowed a visit intended to demonstrate US support for the Afghan government and provided a sharp reminder of the risks associated with a more aggressive US policy that is expected to increase the number of air strikes.

Hours after Mattis touched down in Kabul, militants fired high explosive ammunition including mortar rounds near the main airport and detonated several suicide vests in an attack claimed by both the Taliban and Islamic State.

Gunmen holed up in a nearby house battled security forces for much of the day.

US forces conducted an air strike supporting an Afghan special police unit fighting the attackers but suffered a “missile malfunction”, causing several casualties, the US-led Nato mission there said. It gave no further details. “Resolute Support deeply regrets the harm to non- combatants,” the statement said.

“We take every precaution to avoid civilian casualties, even as the enemies of Afghanistan continue to operate in locations that deliberately put civilians at very high risk.”

Mattis’ visit came after US President Donald Trump announced a new strategy for Afghanistan, promising a stepped-up military campaign against the Taliban who have gained ground as they seek to reestablish their brand of Islamic law after their 2001 defeat. — Reuters