Four Killed in Taliban Attack in Kabul

An Afghan police officer runs for cover after shootings and explosions in Kabul, May 24, 2013.

At least four people have been killed in a new Taliban attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.

Taliban militants, backed by a suicide bomber, attacked a United Nations compound Friday evening and set off several explosions. In the ensuing gunbattle with security forces, at least one policeman was killed.  Kabul's police chief, General Mohammad Ayub Salangi, told VOA three of the attackers also were killed. At least 10 other people were wounded.

The blasts shook a busy area of Kabul, sending a plume of smoke over the city and causing chaos. 

The general said the violence began when militants attacked a house next to the U.N. mission in Afghanistan. The Taliban said the target was a compound used by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

This was the second major attack in Kabul in a little more than a week. On May 16, a suicide car bombing killed 15 people, including six Americans and nine Afghan civilians. Two of the Americans were soldiers.

from VOA News
May 24, 2013
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ISAF condemns attack in Kabul

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The International Security Assistance Force strongly condemns the suicide and direct fire attack today near a National Directorate Security-run hospital and the headquarters of the Afghan Public Protection Force today. This is also an area where Non-Governmental Organizations and hotels are located.

"The insurgents have repeatedly shown little regard for innocent civilians and the future of Afghanistan as demonstrated by attacks such as these. Their actions fly in the face of their claim that they are looking to avoid civilian casualties," said General Joseph F. Dunford, the ISAF commander.

"I express my condolences to the victims and their families in today's attacks. I condemn in the strongest sense of the word the actions of the insurgents today. The attack, which was in close proximity to a children's hospital, shows the enemy's complete lack of morals and respect for human life," Dunford said.

"I also want to commend the professionalism of the Afghan security forces who responded to the incident. Their prompt and effective action saved the lives of other innocent Afghans and members of the international community," Dunford said.

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May 24., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents during an operation in Dand district, Kandahar province, May 24.

The facilitator is a vital member of improvised explosive device networks in Kandahar City. He procures and distributes IED-making materials, weapons and other military equipment for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, May 23. The facilitator exercises command and control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also uses his residence as a storage facility for military equipment and coordinates the acquisition of weapons for use in insurgent activities.

East

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the death of two senior Haqqani leaders, Qari Azzam and Mukhlis, during an operation in Zurmat district, Paktiya province, May 21. Azzam, also known as Maulawi Sahib, served as an intelligence operative responsible for providing information to senior Haqqani leadership about attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He was also involved in coordinating mine and improvised explosive device emplacement in the local area, providing military equipment to insurgents and organizing kidnappings in order to extort money. Mukhlis, also known as Wazir, planned and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also interfaced directly with senior Haqqani leadership in order to relay strategic guidance to insurgent fighters.

Provincial Response Company Logar, enabled by coalition forces, seized a large cache of explosives making materials during a cordon and search mission in Pul-E Alam district, Logar province, May 23. The cache consisted of one IED, 374 pounds of ammonium nitrate, and 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of phosphorous fertilizer. All seized materials were destroyed on location.

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May 24., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and coalition forces killed six insurgents, detained four suspected insurgents, discovered one weapons cache and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, May 23.

Khowst province

Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained four suspected insurgents during operations in the Khowst district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Paktika province

Afghan National Security Forces discovered one weapons cache containing three improvised explosive devises and IED making materiel during operations in the Kushamond district.

Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Hawza district.

Afghan National Security Forces killed four insurgents during operations in the Wazi Khwah district.

Afghan National Security and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Zirok district.

Wardak province

Afghan National Security and coalition forces killed two insurgents during operations in the Sayed Abad district.

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