The Kandahar airport was attacked by Taliban insurgents, triggering several explosions and a major gunbattle between security personnel and the militants.
According to the Express Tribune, a number of suicide attackers entered the airport ground and opened fire, in which several civilians and passengers became trapped.
"Several insurgents (have) taken up position inside a school and (are) firing at the airport," said Sameem Khpalwak, a spokesperson for the local governor.
The episode occurred on the eve of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's high-profile visit to Islamabad for a regional conference.
The attack comes after an earlier incident in which two suicide bombers were killed following their attack on a police station in Kandahar, which happens to be one of the Taliban strongholds.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app