Tailban Attack on Kabul
A major Taliban attack is being reported from Kabul. Taliban gunmen, some wearing suicide vests, launched a commando-style assault on government buildings in the centre of Kabul on Monday, underscoring the perilous security situation in the Afghan capital.
The fighting is being reported by both American and Taliban sources. According to one American source, reports of an imminent attack began circulating on Jan. 17. Heavy fighting is being reported at multiple locations, apparently focused around the Serena Hotel. The hotel, which is frequented by foreign journalists and government officials, has been attacked in the past.
According to the Taliban, 20 suicide bombers are taking part in the attack. They claim the Presidential Palace, Ministries of Justice, Finance, Mines and Industry are among the targets. There are reports of casualties, but numbers and locations are unclear.
It was the worst attack on the city in nearly a year. Gunfire and loud explosions could be heard across the capital and a huge column of smoke was pouring out of a shopping centre that was at the heart of the attacks.
