Taliban admits attack as Kabul debate resumes

REMNANTS of Afghanistan’s ousted Taliban claimed responsibility yesterday for a suicide attack in Kabul that killed five security officials and two bombers, and vowed to launch a fresh wave of violence aimed at cities.

Sunday’s attack was the worst in Kabul since four German peacekeepers were killed and 31 injured by a suicide car bomb in June, and coincided with the final stages of a key debate to finalise the country’s post-Taliban constitution.

Taliban guerrillas and Islamic militant allies believed to include members of al-Qaida have declared a holy war on foreign forces in Afghanistan and their local partners, including government officials, soldiers and aid workers.

“A group of 200 mujahideen (holy warriors) has penetrated various Afghan cities,” said Mullah Sabir Momin, Taliban deputy operational commander in southern Afghanistan.

“In Kabul alone, 130 trained Taliban are present on suicide missions,” he added, speaking by satellite telephone. “They can manufacture powerful bombs with limited resources.”

If confirmed, the switch in tactics will be a worry for 5,700 international peacekeepers in Kabul and the 12,000-strong US-led force hunting Taliban and al-Qaida rebels.

The deadliest guerrilla attacks have been in remote areas of the south and east in recent months. More than 400 people have died in the violence since early August, including many rebels.

Confusion surrounded the circumstances of Sunday’s attack near the airport, which came just after dusk.

Defence ministry spokesman Dr Gulbuddin said there appeared to be two “terrorists” involved.

He explained that five security officials detained two men after a tip-off. One was carrying explosives in a metal cooking pot, while the other had explosives wrapped around his body which he set off, killing all seven people in the vehicle.

International peacekeepers initially said the explosion was caused by a car bomb, but had no fresh statement yesterday.

The Taliban often claims responsibility for attacks in Afghanistan while the authorities are quick to blame their main enemy. Neither side produces much evidence to back its claims.

Hundreds of delegates gathered again at the constitutional Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, in Kabul to review amendments to a draft which outlines a strong president and relatively moderate Islamic state protecting the rights of women.

The debate has dragged on longer than expected, as opponents of US-backed President Hamid Karzai seek to water down presidential powers ahead of elections next June which the interim leader is widely expected to contest and win.

Mr Karzai, from the largest Pashtun ethnic group, wants sweeping powers to get his war-shattered country on the road to recovery, but leaders from the Northern Alliance of minority Tajiks and Uzbeks have called for a premiership and stronger parliament.

A Western official familiar with the process told reporters that some ground was given on parliamentary power, including the right to confirm the appointment of ministers.

Some delegates have argued for the Uzbek language to be recognised as official in areas in the north where it is spoken, while others want the national anthem to be without words rather than sung only in Pashto, to avoid ethnic tensions.