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Multiple blasts hit Afghan city | Multiple blasts hit Afghan city |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Suicide bombers have attacked two government buildings in the city of Khost in eastern Afghanistan, government officials say. | |
There are reports of casualties, interior ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary said, but it is not clear how many people were killed or injured. | There are reports of casualties, interior ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary said, but it is not clear how many people were killed or injured. |
The province of Khost has witnessed frequent clashes between coalition forces and the Taleban. | The province of Khost has witnessed frequent clashes between coalition forces and the Taleban. |
A Taleban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attacks. | |
Zabihullah Mujahid told the AFP news agency: "Thirty of our fighters armed with suicide cars, suicide jackets and guns have entered the city." | |
The government spokesman could not confirm the number of militants involved in attack. | |
The offices of the provincial governor were among the buildings targeted by the bombers. | |
Troops have been deployed into Khost to contain the attacks. Security forces were reported to have been searching the city for militants who may have escaped. | |
In recent months militants have carried out attacks targeting several locations simultaneously, a sign of their increasing sophistication, analysts say. | |
The bombings come as the US replaced its top commander in Afghanistan. | |
Afghanistan was recently confirmed as the primary focus of US military operations. | |
The US is sending 21,000 additional troops to the country, to join an existing force of 38,000. |