This archive report was first published on 11 July 2021.
On July 11, 2021, the Afghan government announced the installation of an anti-missile system at Kabul airport to counter incoming rockets amid a Taliban offensive.
The move comes as Washington and its allies prepare to end their military mission in Afghanistan at the end of August, despite the insurgents claiming control of 85 percent of the country.
The Taliban's rapid gains have raised fears about the security of the capital and its airport, with NATO keen to secure a vital exit route for foreign diplomats and aid workers.
According to the interior ministry, the newly installed air defence system has been operational since 2:00 am on Sunday and has proven useful in repelling rocket and missile attacks.
Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian stated that the system was installed at the airport, while security forces spokesman Ajmal Omar Shinwari said it was given by 'our foreign friends'.
Shinwari added that the system has very complicated technology and that for now, their foreign friends are operating it while they are trying to build the capacity to use it.
Over the past week, 1,177 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with government forces, according to Shinwari.
The Taliban have regularly launched rockets and mortars at government forces across the countryside, with the jihadist Islamic State group (IS) carrying out similar strikes on the capital in 2020.
IS also claimed responsibility for a rocket attack this year at Bagram Air Base, the biggest US military facility in the country, which was recently handed over to Afghan forces.
Warlords have mobilized militiamen to fight the Taliban, with Turkey promising to provide security for Kabul airport once US and NATO troops leave next month.
Indian diplomats have been evacuated from the country, with around 50 Indian personnel, including six diplomats, being brought home.
Other countries, including Russia and China, have also taken steps to evacuate their nationals from Afghanistan.
