Armed militants in Afghanistan stormed a key government security agency in the capital Tuesday morning as part of a coordinated assault, killing at least 28 people and wounding more than 320.
(FOX)- The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which included a suicide car bombing. It appeared to have targeted an agency similar to the U.S. Secret Service, providing personal protection for high-ranking government officials.
Gen. Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the Kabul police chief, said that at least 28 people were killed in the attack, which began when a suicide car bomber struck near the agency compound’s gates.
After the explosion, armed gunmen stormed the compound and waged a prolonged battle with government security forces.
The U.S. Embassy denounced the attack, calling it a senseless act of violence. It added that it supports the Afghan government’s peace process to end such violence.
“Today’s attack shows the insurgents are unable to meet Afghan forces on the battlefield and must resort to these terrorist attacks,” added Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of international forces in Afghanistan. “We strongly condemn the actions of Afghanistan’s enemies and remain firmly committed to supporting our Afghan partners and the National Unity Government.”
Ismail Kawasi, spokesman for the Public Health Ministry, said so far 327 are wounded, including women and children, have been brought to area hospitals. An Interior Ministry statement said that dozens of civilians were killed and wounded in the attack. The casualty figures are expected to rise.