Suicide attack in Afghan Defense Ministry kills 2 soldiers

Suicide attack in Afghan Defense Ministry kills 2 soldiers

2011-04-18 19:11:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least two Afghan soldiers were killed and another seven were injured on Monday after a suicide attacker infiltrated the country's Defense Ministry building, officials said.

The attacker who was able to enter the building in the Afghan capital of Kabul was reportedly wearing a military uniform, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. According to reports, he was able to reach the second floor, targeting French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet and Abdul Rahim Wardak, Afghanistan's Defense Minister, who were attending a meeting.

While some reports indicate that the attacker was unable to detonate the explosive vest he was carrying, as soldiers killed him after he had opened fire, others said the bomber was able to blow himself up.

However, Defense Ministry officials said they had brought the situation back to control as ongoing investigations try to identify the suicide bomber.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, a rebel spokesperson, claimed responsibility of the killings, saying the attack was conducted by Afghan army soldiers linked with the Taliban and confirming that the attack had targeted a meeting at the ministry, which had gathered foreign officials.

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