US Embassy in Afghanistan Closes after Attack on Bagram Airfield

The U.S. embassy in Kabul has closed following a deadly suicide attack on Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan.

In a statement late Saturday, the embassy says it will be “closed for routine services” Sunday “as a temporary precautionary measure.”

The decision comes after four Americans – two soldiers and two contractors – were killed and 17 others including a polish soldier were injured in a suicide attack Saturday on the Bagram Airfield.

Ash Carter, the U.S. secretary of defense said in a statement that he is deeply saddened by the attack at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan and expressed it condolences to the families of the fallen.

“Force protection is always a top priority for us in Afghanistan, and we will investigate this tragedy to determine any steps we can take to improve it,” the statement further added.

Taliban take the responsibility of the attack.

“For those who carried out this attack, my message is simple. We will not be deterred in our mission to protect our homeland and help Afghanistan secure its own future,” the statement continued.

Two days earlier, Taliban insurgents attack the German Consulate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, killing six people and wounding more than 100.