Taliban launches series of attacks on government sites in Kandahar

Taliban launches series of attacks on government sites in Kandahar

2011-05-07 21:59:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least ten people were injured on Saturday after militants launched a series of attacks on government buildings in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

Gunmen occupying an adjacent building exchanged fire with security forces guarding the governor's office. The governor's spokesman, Zalmay Ayubi, said militants used heavy and light weapons and threw hand grenades into the office, injuring at least 10 civilians who were taken to the hospital.

According to Ayubi, the militants also attacked a municipality building and the police headquarters in the Mirwais Maina area. Shopkeepers throughout the city closed down their shops, while people sheltered from the fighting.

A suicide bomber who wanted to enter the police compound in Mirwais Maina area was killed after a brief clash. Another bomber was killed when he tried to penetrate the first district police office.

There were at least 10 explosions in different parts of the city.

Last week, the Taliban announced the start of its spring offensive against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said would have 'no lasting impact'. The Badar operations, as the offensive was named, will target military bases, places of gatherings, airbases and military convoys of coalition forces.

The announcement of a spring offensive comes as the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan is about to enter its tenth year. The war began in October 2001 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and aims to defeat the Taliban and other insurgent groups in the country.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-07