Eight Would-Be Suicide Bombers Killed In Kabul Raid

Afghan officials say at least eight insurgents who were planning a mass attack in Kabul were killed in a gun battle that lasted for seven hours.

Lutfullah Mashal, spokesman for the National Directorate of Security, said five of the militants were killed in an initial raid by Afghan troops.

Mashal said three others were killed as the battle continued after dawn at a house in eastern Kabul's Pul-e Charki neighborhood.

Mashal said the militants were armed with suicide vests, rockets, and machine guns.

He said they planned to seize a tall building in Kabul's central Shar-e Naw district.

Security forces raided the house after intelligence officials informed them about the planned suicide attack.

A minivan full of explosives was discovered at the house.

However, the Taliban issued a statement denying that the operation was against their fighters.

from RFERL
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 02.08.2012 06:41

Posted in: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Kabul, National Directorate Security, Suicide attack, Taliban