Afghanistan Times
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By Farhad Naibkhel
KABUL: At least seven people including three security forces were martyred in a terrorist attack on the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology (MoTIT) Saturday morning, said officials.
Kabul Police Spokesman Basir Mujahid said that “five attackers were involved in terrorist attack over MoTIT, where all were killed by security forces after hours of clashes.”
He said that first a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gate of the MoTIT at around 11:40am and later four insurgents stormed the compound and planned to enter to the post office department where is always crowded by customers who refer for mailing. He added that the assailants faced security forces’ resistance.
Mujahid said that shortly after the attack, Crisis Response Unit (CRU) of police reached the area and calashes continued until all four other insurgents were killed at 4:15pm.
He said that Afghan forces also rescued 2,800 employees and customers trapped inside the ministry of telecommunication as well as the adjacent ministry of information and culture.
“Unfortunately, seven people (four civilians and three security forces) were martyred in the incident and eight civilians wounded,” said Mujahid.
Ministry of Interior Spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said that terrorists attacked post office building by using a shrine located close to MoTIT.
He said that in advance a blast took place in front of MoTIT at around 11:40 and later sporadic firing started in the area.
Shortly after the attack, police surrounded the area and CRU reached.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Health Spokesman Wahidullah Mayar confirmed that three women were also among wounded people evacuated to hospitals.
A statement issued by Presidential Palace said that Afghanistan enemies by attacking the MoTIT once again created fears and killed and wounded our compatriots.
It said that President Ghani strongly condemned the “savage attack”, adding that the Afghanistan enemies by targeting civilian services employees, attacking over public institutions and creating fear once again proved that they don’t have any goal, but killing and committing crime.
President said that such wildly acts not only deterring people from reaching to their wishes which are included development and progress , but make more firm the Security and Defense forces intention toward combating against terrorism and their roots eradication
President expressed deepest condolence with the families of martyrs and wished quick recovery for wounded of the incident.
The attack took place in a crowded area of central Kabul city, where beside ministries and hotels many vendors sell goods on the street and in pad ally in the area.
Although the Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in his tweeter said that Saturday’s attack in Kabul had nothing to do with them, but the incident took place while the Qatar talks between Taliban and Afghanistan government delegation, which was set for 20th and 21st April has been delayede.
