Tri-Service

Gunmen Killed After Audacious Taliban Attack

At least nine people have been killed and up to 31 injured in a co-ordinated attack on the Afghan Parliament in Kabul.

A suicide bomber struck at the entrance with a huge car bomb and gunmen battled police as politicians were meeting inside to confirm the appointment of a defence minister, police and witnesses said.

Afghan security forces managed to repel the attack, killing all seven gunmen and ensuring that no members of parliament were harmed, with the Taliban claiming responsibility.

The gunmen had attempted to storm the compound but were pushed back by security forces and eventually corralled into a nearby building that was under construction.

Sidiqa Mubarez, a member of parliament, said the building was rocked by the large explosion and that some people were wounded by flying glass.

She said the explosion happened shortly after Masoom Stanekzai had arrived to be confirmed as defence minister, a post that has been vacant for nine months.