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Kabul attack: Six gunmen killed as Taliban claims responsibility for 'suicide boming' outside Afghan parliament Kabul attack: Six gunmen killed as Taliban claims responsibility for 'suicide boming' outside Afghan parliament
(35 minutes later)
Taliban gunmen have laid siege to the Afghan parliament in Kabul, exploding a large suicide car-bomb and engaging in a two-hour shootout with security services.Taliban gunmen have laid siege to the Afghan parliament in Kabul, exploding a large suicide car-bomb and engaging in a two-hour shootout with security services.
A huge blast rocked the building as MPs met to confirm the new defence minister. As MPs inside ran for cover, a gun-battle broke out outside as gunmen unleashed rockets and explosives. A huge blast rocked the building as MPs met to confirm the new defence minister. As MPs inside ran for cover, a gun-battle broke out outside as gunmen unleashed rockets and bullets.
At least 18 were people were injured, including two women and two children, health officials said. All MPs were said to be safe. At least 18 were people were wounded, including two women and two children, health officials said. All MPs were said to be safe and uninjured.
Television was broadcasting live from parliament when the explosion struck and MPs were seen leaving the building. Television was broadcasting live from parliament when the explosion struck and MPs were seen leaving the building, amid smoke and shattered glass, as police tried to fight off the gunmen.
Six gunmen were killed in the shootout with security services, bringing the attack to end after two hours, officials said. Six gunmen - who were holed up in a building adjacent to the main chamber - were killed in the shootout, bringing the attack to an end after two hours, interior ministry officials said.
The attack came as new defence minister Massoom Stanekzai was being introduced to MPs, who must endorse his appointment.The attack came as new defence minister Massoom Stanekzai was being introduced to MPs, who must endorse his appointment.
  
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a statement that said they had carried out a suicide bombing.The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a statement that said they had carried out a suicide bombing.
Gunfire could be heard around Kabul and black smoke could be seen billowing from the entrance of Parliament as ambulances raced to the scene.Gunfire could be heard around Kabul and black smoke could be seen billowing from the entrance of Parliament as ambulances raced to the scene.
A picture showing smoke filling the inside of the Parliament chamber as people ran for cover. Pictures posted on Twitter showed smoke filling the inside of the Parliament chamber as people ran for cover.
 
#Taliban attack on #Afghan #parliament in #Kabul ends https://t.co/hxblBl2vbc pic.twitter.com/WeDwfQadWx#Taliban attack on #Afghan #parliament in #Kabul ends https://t.co/hxblBl2vbc pic.twitter.com/WeDwfQadWx
Afghan Parliament attack: Photo from inside the house. ( pic - @KarimAmini1 ) pic.twitter.com/vtlk7k9lCqAfghan Parliament attack: Photo from inside the house. ( pic - @KarimAmini1 ) pic.twitter.com/vtlk7k9lCq
pic.twitter.com/9KA9MTG2L1pic.twitter.com/9KA9MTG2L1
"It was a huge blast that shook the building and shattered windows. We are right now in a safe place," said lawmaker Shukria Barekzai."It was a huge blast that shook the building and shattered windows. We are right now in a safe place," said lawmaker Shukria Barekzai.
Local media reported that there had been another explosion in the Dahmazang area of Kabul.Local media reported that there had been another explosion in the Dahmazang area of Kabul.
"A suicide bomber blew himself up just outside the parliament building and several fighters took positions in a building close to parliament," said Ebadullah Karimi, spokesman for Kabul police."A suicide bomber blew himself up just outside the parliament building and several fighters took positions in a building close to parliament," said Ebadullah Karimi, spokesman for Kabul police.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility.
"We have launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country's defence minister," he said by phone."We have launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country's defence minister," he said by phone.
 
DEVELOPING: Afghan police say 6 Taliban attackers killed in operation at Kabul parliament. http://t.co/iHM2PzSU2i pic.twitter.com/emj0WuQmCODEVELOPING: Afghan police say 6 Taliban attackers killed in operation at Kabul parliament. http://t.co/iHM2PzSU2i pic.twitter.com/emj0WuQmCO
A nearby school, which has hundreds of pupils, was evacuated.A nearby school, which has hundreds of pupils, was evacuated.
Violence has spiralled in Afghanistan since the departure of most foreign forces at the end of last year, raising questions about the NATO-trained Afghan security forces' ability to fight the Taliban.Violence has spiralled in Afghanistan since the departure of most foreign forces at the end of last year, raising questions about the NATO-trained Afghan security forces' ability to fight the Taliban.
The Taliban have also been making gains in the north of the country, capturing two districts in Kunduz province on Sunday and Monday.The Taliban have also been making gains in the north of the country, capturing two districts in Kunduz province on Sunday and Monday.
Additional reporting by Reuters and APAdditional reporting by Reuters and AP