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Afghan Prez Escapes Assassination Attempt

Taliban boasts attack proves group's power

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2008 8:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – One person was killed and 11 wounded in a Taliban attack this morning in Kabul aimed at assassinating Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The president escaped the rockets and gunfire unhurt. The attack occurred as Karzai, government ministers, foreign diplomats, and military top brass gathered for the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Afghan communist government. All diplomats and cabinet members were safe, according to officials.

Three Taliban fighters were killed in the attack and several were taken into custody. "Afghan and NATO authorities this year repeatedly said the Taliban are on the verge of annihilation,” a Taliban spokesman told Reuters. “Now it is has been proved the Taliban not only have the ability to operate in the provinces, but even in Kabul.”

Afghan soldiers run after a gun battle during a ceremony marking the 16th anniversary of defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul.
Afghan soldiers run after a gun battle during a ceremony marking the 16th anniversary of defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai inspects Afghan Army soldiers during a ceremony marking the defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday, April 27, 2008.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai inspects Afghan Army soldiers during a ceremony marking the defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ahamd Massoud)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai at a ceremony marking the 16th anniversary the defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday April 27, 2008.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai at a ceremony marking the 16th anniversary the defeat of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
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