Attack on Ministry in Kabul Repelled

A coordinated assault on the Interior Ministry building in Afghanistan’s capital ended with all ten attackers killed.

Two blasts went off outside the ministry compound in Kabul on Wednesday before assailants attempted to storm the building, triggering fierce clashes with security forces that lasted for hours. At least one policeman was killed in the assault and five others were wounded, Al Jazeera reported.

“The explosion happened very close to the building and the fighters were attempting to go inside,” Najib Danish, Interior Ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera. “The assault is over now and a search operation is underway.”

Initial findings by the ministry said six attackers were killed. There were no immediate reports of casualties. No armed group claimed responsibility.

Al Jazeera’s Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said it was a complex attack as fighters attempted to enter the heavily fortified ministry.

“There are very high blast walls around the compound to be able to protect it from attacks. There are guards on 24 hours a day,” she said.

Security around Kabul has been on high alert in recent days with more checkpoints and patrols as the government warned of attacks by the Taliban on government installations.

Both the Taliban and the self-styled Islamic State terror group have stepped up attacks on Kabul, making it the deadliest place in the country for civilians in recent months.

Last week the Taliban called on Kabul residents to “keep away” from military and intelligence centers in the city, saying the group plans more assaults as part of its annual spring offensive.