Gunmen attack police station in Kabul, killing 9

Gunmen attack police station in Kabul, killing 9

2011-06-18 23:35:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Nine people were killed on early Saturday afternoon when several gunmen attacked a police station in the Afghan capital, according to the country's interior ministry.

The Interior Ministry said the attack happened at around 1.30 p.m. local time when a small group of gunmen wearing military uniforms stormed the District 1 police headquarters in Kabul. The attackers opened fire, after which police officers returned fire.

According to a statement released by the ministry, three police officers, five civilians, and one intelligence agent was killed as a result of the attack. At least two and perhaps three attackers were also killed.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, although the claim could not be confirmed as the militant group frequently claims credit for attacks which were not carried out by the Taliban.

"After removing all the security barriers, the team of the three Mujahideen (Muslim fighters) started targeting the enemies with machine guns, rockets [and] bombs, while one of the three before - before the other two entered - blew his explosive-filled vest, causing maximum devastation within the facility," Mujahid said. "The other two positioned themselves fighting with indomitable courage and putting up a firmer and stronger resistance which has been underway so far."

Mujahid identified the attackers as Hafiz Muhammad Amin and Hafiz Muhammad Harees of Paktika province and Hafiz Ibrahim of Khost province. The identities could not be confirmed.

Last month, six medical students were killed and more than 20 others were injured after a suicide attack on a 400-bed military hospital in the heart of Kabul. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for that attack, although NATO said the Haqqani Network was behind the suicide bombing.

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