Approximately 4,000 ISIL members are hiding in Afghanistan, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said on Wednesday.

"As far as I understand, ISIL terrorists are hiding, that is why there are no clashes (with the Taliban). There are few – some 4,000 ones – that is why any frontal clash will have a clear outcome, that is why they are hiding," Zhirnov told the Solovyov Live YouTube channel.

The U.S., UK and Australia have raised alarm on safety around the Kabul airport. 

The Taliban said on Thursday that their guards continue to protect civilians outside the airport.

"Our guards are also risking their lives at Kabul airport," a Taliban official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding they also face a threat from ISIL. 

(With input from Reuters)