Fears grow for Irish stranded in Afghanistan after delay in launching rescue mission

Wounded women arrive at hospital for treatment after two blasts, which killed at least five and wounded a dozen outside the airport in Kabul yesterday. Picture: Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty

Fears are mounting for the safety of 75 Irish citizens and residents who have been left stranded in Afghanistan after the Irish rescue team flew out from Kabul Airport with 26 citizens.

The decision to leave — on board French and Finnish military aircraft — came against the background of a “deteriorating security situation” and as two bombs exploded at the airport, killing as many as 60 Afghans and 12 US troops. There were reports of further explosions last night.