This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/436444-missile-attack-kabul-palace/

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Massive missile attack launched at Presidential Palace in Kabul Massive missile attack launched near presidential palace in Kabul
(about 1 hour later)
At least a dozen missiles have been fired in Kabul, with some targeting the Presidential Palace and diplomatic zone in the capital of Afghanistan. The attack came as President Ashraf Ghani was speaking at an Eid prayer ceremony. At least a dozen missiles have been fired in Kabul, targeting the diplomatic zone and landing near the presidential palace. The attack came as President Ashraf Ghani was speaking at an Eid prayer ceremony.
The attack on the palace and the diplomatic zone occurred early on Tuesday, according to Tolo news. The outlet said, citing officials, that at least 12 missiles exploded in the area, adding that locals say there might have been more than 20. Rockets landed in four different parts of Kabul on Tuesday morning, according to Tolo. The missiles hit near the diplomatic area and some reportedly landed near the presidential palace. The outlet said, citing officials, that at least 12 missiles exploded in the city, adding that locals say there might have been more than 20. 
The first rocket hit somewhere near the presidency, the second near a NATO compound and the US Embassy in Kabul, AP reported citing a police official. Black smoke was seen rising from the buildings as military helicopters were flying above the city, where clashes are reportedly ongoing. The first rocket hit somewhere “near the presidency,” the second near a NATO compound and the US Embassy in Kabul, AP reported citing a police official. Black smoke was seen rising from the buildings as military helicopters were flying near the Eidgah Mosque in Reka Khana district, where clashes are reportedly ongoing.
Two people were wounded, AFP reported citing an interior ministry spokesman. Security forces killed two “insurgents” in the aftermath of the attack, Tolo said. Two people were reportedly wounded.Blasts were heard in the background as President Ghani was delivering his Eid message. The Afghan leader did not stop his speech, saying that the rocket attack will not “keep the Afghans down.”
The area where the rockets hit is one of the most secure parts of Kabul, where embassies and Afghan government buildings are located. The quarter is heavily fortified, surrounded by high cement blast walls. READ MORE: US changing its tune in Afghanistan as 'barbaric' Taliban becomes bulwark against ISIS
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, but it comes just two days after Ghani declared a ceasefire with the Taliban ahead of Eid celebrations.  No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, but it comes just two days after Ghani declared a ceasefire with the Taliban ahead of Eid celebrations. However, the group rejected the offer on Monday, when it was supposed to have taken effect, as militants ambushed three buses and kidnapped the passengers. 
But on Monday the group ambushed three buses, kidnapping the passengers, in an apparent violation of the ceasefure that was supposed to have taken effect. Afghan security forces reportedly freed nearly 160 kidnapped people on Tuesday, but the group is still holding at least 20 military personnel hostage.
Afghan security forces have reportedly freed nearly 150 people kidnapped by the Taliban on Monday.
The group is still holding some military personnel hostage.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!