19 killed in suicide bomb attack on Afghan governor's compound‎

19 killed in suicide bomb attack on Afghan governor's compound‎

2011-08-14 22:16:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Nineteen people were killed and dozens were wounded on Sunday when suicide bombers attacked the compound of a provincial governor in northern Afghanistan, officials said.

A group of five suicide attackers stormed the governor's compound in central Parwan province at around 11:30 a.m local time when officials were holding a meeting, according to Pajhwok Afghan News. Parwan police chief Sher Ahmad Maldani said a clash erupted between the assailants and security forces after the first explosion.

Over 30 people were injured in the explosion and ensuing fighting. Local police official Sharif, who was on duty at the time of the incident, said most of the victims had come to collect their national identity cards.

The spokesman for the interior ministry, Siddiq Siddiqui, told journalists in Kabul that one suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the southern gate of the compound, allowing the four other attackers to enter the building. He added that the bombers were shot dead before they could reach their target, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) joined Afghan President Karzai in condemning the attack. Rear Admiral Hal Pittman, a spokesman for the coalition said: "This attack is another example of despicable behavior by insurgents.

"Violent attacks that wound and kill civilians are not acceptable in any religion or culture. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims."

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack through its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, although the militant group basically claims responsibility for all attacks in the country. The Taliban are known to issue claims of responsibility also when the attack was carried out by other militant groups.

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