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Taliban Attacks Rock Kabul

Taliban claims responsibility for series of attacks on diplomatic area, parliament

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 15, 2012 5:54 AM CDT | Updated Apr 15, 2012 7:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – At least a dozen large explosions and sustained gunfire tore through Kabul this morning, in what appears to be a series of coordinated attacks on the city's diplomatic zone, reports the Telegraph. Fighting was reported around the British and US embassies, while smoke billowed from near the German embassy. The Afghan parliament was also targeted, although security has forced them back for now, according to Sky News. A prominent hotel was also reported burning and under attack. The Taliban claimed responsibility in a text message to the AP; the attacks come just hours after a massive prison break freed 380 fighters in Pakistan.

No casualties have been reported thus far, but at least five people have been injured. The sheer scope of the attacks is enough to raise concern, notes the AP.

Security forces on the street as smoke rises in Kabul, following a series of coordinated attacks by Taliban militants Sunday, April 15, 2012.
Security forces on the street as smoke rises in Kabul, following a series of coordinated attacks by Taliban militants Sunday, April 15, 2012.   (AP Photo/AP Video)
Smoke rises from Kabul after a series of coordinated attacks by the Taliban, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Militants targeted Afghan government buildings, Western embassies, and NATO bases.
Smoke rises from Kabul after a series of coordinated attacks by the Taliban, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Militants targeted Afghan government buildings, Western embassies, and NATO bases.   (AP Photo/AP Video)
Afghan soldiers react after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.
Afghan soldiers react after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.   (AP Phot/Rahmat Gul)
Afghan soldiers provide security after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.
Afghan soldiers provide security after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.   (AP Phot/Rahmat Gul)
US Army soldiers respond after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.
US Army soldiers respond after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.   (AP Phot/Rahmat Gul)
Afghan security forces after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.
Afghan security forces after a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.   (AP Phot/Rahmat Gul)
An Afghan soldier stands guard as a helicopter flies over the scene of a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.
An Afghan soldier stands guard as a helicopter flies over the scene of a suicide attack on the US-led provincial reconstruction team compound in Jalalabad, on Sunday, April 15, 15 2012.   (AP Phot/Rahmat Gul)
A NATO soldier runs to the scene of a attack by Taliban militants in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.
A NATO soldier runs to the scene of a attack by Taliban militants in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.   (AP Photo/Ahmad Jamshid)
A NATO soldier stands guard at the scene of a attack by Taliban militants in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.
A NATO soldier stands guard at the scene of a attack by Taliban militants in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.   (AP Photo/Ahmad Jamshid)
Smoke rises from a hotel after it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.
Smoke rises from a hotel after it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, April 15, 2012.   (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Afghan police gesture near the scene of an attack in Kabul on earlier today.
Afghan police gesture near the scene of an attack in Kabul on earlier today.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
slammer
Apr 15, 2012 12:54 PM CDT
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT WHEN THEY KILL THEMSELVES! WE SHOULD GET OUT OF THERE AND LET THEM HAVE AT IT!
B-Diddy
Apr 15, 2012 11:39 AM CDT
Where the hell is the Fucking US military? Smoking the local Dope???
Non-deep-thinker
Apr 15, 2012 7:01 AM CDT
Fidel invaded Kabul?
 

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