Taliban stage brazen Kabul attacks

TALIBAN militants wearing explosives vests launched a brazen assault on the heart of Kabul yesterday, as suicide bombings and gunbattles near the presidential palace and other government buildings paralysed the capital for hours.

Afghan police and NATO troops managed to restore security after at least three blasts and machine-gunfire that echoed across the mountain-rimmed city. Given what might have been, the casualty toll was relatively low: 12 killed, including seven attackers.

Still, the attack was the most ambitious in Kabul in nearly a year and demonstrated the vulnerability of the Afghan capital despite extensive security throughout the city. The assault was also a clear sign the Taliban plan to escalate their fight as the US and its allies ramp up a campaign to end the war.

The violence began shortly before 10am and ended five hours later after attacks at four locations within an area of less than one square mile. The area, in the centre of the capital, is a mix of government buildings surrounded by concrete walls, shops and hotels.

In the first assault, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at Pashtunistan Square, a major intersection near the gates to the presidential palace, the Central Bank and the luxury Serena Hotel, which is frequented by Westerners.

Clashes broke out as other militants fought with Afghan troops, who converged quickly on the scene in pickup trucks and armoured vehicles. Police sealed off the area and helicopters buzzed overhead.

Several attackers then stormed into a nearby shopping mall, prompting a standoff with security forces. Two bombers were killed when their explosives detonated, setting the four-story building ablaze.

About 11.17am, another suicide attacker drove toward the area in an ambulance but blew himself up after he was stopped at a checkpoint near the Education Ministry.

Three other attackers entered another commercial building housing offices at about 1pm, but after two hours they were killed.