Multiple rockets were fired at Kabul’s international airport but were intercepted by a missile defense system, a US official told Reuters citing initial information.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said up to five rockets were fired, though it was unclear whether all of them were caught by the defensive system.

US President Joe Biden confirmed the attack and said operations were not interrupted.

The sound of rockets whooshing over the capital was heard by AFP staff before the morning rush hour began.
The rockets were fired from a car in north Kabul, according to a security official who worked in the administration toppled by the Taliban two weeks ago.

Local residents heard the airport’s missile defense system, and shrapnel was reported falling onto the street, suggesting at least one rocket had been intercepted.

In the north, where the Hamid Karzai International Airport is located, smoke could be seen rising above buildings.

Social media posts — which could not immediately be verified — also showed a vehicle on fire after being apparently struck by retaliatory fire.

The evacuation of foreigners and Afghans who have served with US-led forces for the past 20 years and are at risk of Taliban retribution is nearing completion, and will officially end on Tuesday when the last American troops depart.

ISIS, rivals of the Taliban, poses the biggest threat to the withdrawal after carrying out a suicide bomb attack at the airport last week that claimed more than 100 lives, including 13 US troops.

US President Joe Biden had warned more attacks were highly likely, and the US said it carried out an air strike Sunday night in Kabul on an explosives-laden vehicle.

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