What appeared to be a well-coordinated attack, Taliban suicide bombers and gunmen today (11th February) attacked government buildings in the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least nine people.

 

Two Taliban suicide bombers blew themselves up in the prisons department as a gun battle broke out near the presidential palace.

 

A policeman at the scene of the suicide bombings told the media that, two other suicide bombers were shot dead by the security officers, and a third attacker has escaped. While one suicide bombers was killed outside the justice ministry, the other near the education ministry, he said.

 

As per the figure declared by government officials nine people had been killed and another 30 injured.

 

The out-law militant out-fit, Taliban has claimed the responsibility for these attacks. A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujaheed, said five fighters had attacked the justice ministry in response to the alleged mistreatment of Taliban prisoners in Afghan jails.

 

The incidents come at a time of worsening security in the country and a day before Richard Holbrooke, the new US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, is scheduled to visit Kabul.