Britain’s armed forces minister James Heappey said on Thursday that a terrorist threat targeting Kabul airport is “extremely serious” and “imminent,” as the UK government cautioned its residents to avoid the area.
“Over the course of the week, the reporting has gotten increasingly plausible. And it’s about a life-threatening situation “Heappey spoke to Times Radio about it.
“This is a very serious and urgent threat,” he stated.
Britain issued a warning to its nationals late Wednesday to stay away from Kabul’s airport, where large crowds had gathered seeking to catch evacuation planes following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said on its website, “Do not travel to Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport.” “The threat of a terrorist strike is constant and quite high.”
“If you are near the airport, flee to a secure location and wait for further instructions,” it advised, adding that “if you can safely escape Afghanistan by other means, you should do so immediately.”
Thousands of Afghans are being flown out every day on huge military aircraft by the United States and its partners, but the task is becoming increasingly tough and urgent.
“Do as the Foreign Office advises and find a place of safety,” Heappey advised British citizens.
