British Citizen Killed In 'Unprovoked' Taliban Attack Named

Library image of Kabul in Afghanistan (Picture: MOD).

The British citizen killed in a Taliban attack on a G4S compound in Kabul has been named as 33-year-old Luke Griffin, the security firm has said.

He was killed in an "unprovoked, criminal attack" by the Taliban on a G4S compound in the Afghan capital, the security firm has said.

Wahid Majoroh, Afghanistan's public health ministry spokesman, said on Thursday that six people were killed, as well as four attackers, with dozens more left injured.

The incident, which happened on Wednesday, saw a Taliban suicide bomber detonate explosives as other insurgents battled Afghan forces in Kabul.

Charlie Burbridge, managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said:

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured - five of them seriously - in an unprovoked, criminal attack on one of our compounds in Kabul."

The company said four of its employees who died were Afghan nationals, and one was British.

Mr Burbridge said the next of kin of those involved have been informed, adding that the company's thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured, and with the "brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends".

He added: "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the British Embassy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British and Afghan armed forces, other NATO forces and other private security companies who have all assisted us as we ensure our operations in Kabul are secure and continue safely.

"We are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing."

The Foreign Office said it is aware of the incident and it is working with the authorities to establish further details.

The Taliban carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces.

The latest in Kabul came hours after officials said at least 30 civilians were killed along with 16 Taliban fighters during a battle between government forces and insurgents in southern Helmand province.