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Suicide attack launched in Afghan capital | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A suicide attack has been launched on a traffic police building in the west of the Afghan capital, Kabul. | |
A car bomb detonated outside the office just before dawn, injuring some civilians and police, officials said. | |
A number of suicide bombers and gunmen then attacked the building, where fighting is continuing, police said. | |
The Taliban, which has hit a number of Kabul targets recently, claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to media organisations. | The Taliban, which has hit a number of Kabul targets recently, claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to media organisations. |
Last week the group attacked the National Directorate of Security in the city centre, killing four guards working for the intelligence services. | |
In Monday's attack, at least one militant blew himself up outside the traffic police headquarters, police officials told the BBC's Bilal Sarwary in Kabul. | |
A second attacker had been shot by security forces, but two others were now holed up inside the four-storey building, says our correspondent. | |
Afghan Special Forces backed up by foreign special forces were trying to clear the traffic department, Kabul Police head General Ayoub Salangi told the BBC. | |
Local residents said two large explosions which shattered the windows of nearby buildings had been followed by sporadic - and continuing -gunfire. | |
Our correspondent suggests the strategic location of the traffic department - close to several key police units as well as the country's parliament - suggests it could have been chosen as a launching pad for a more prolonged attack. | |
Militant groups continue to mount regular attacks in Afghanistan, raising questions as to how the Afghan security forces will cope after international troops leave the country in 2014. | Militant groups continue to mount regular attacks in Afghanistan, raising questions as to how the Afghan security forces will cope after international troops leave the country in 2014. |
Are you in the area? Did you witness the attack? You can send us your experiences using the form below. | Are you in the area? Did you witness the attack? You can send us your experiences using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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