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  • Taliban Rocket Attack Targets U.S. Embassy
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Taliban Rocket Attack Targets U.S. Embassy

25 Dec, 2013
Written By TOLOnews.com

A pair of Taliban rockets struck the U.S. Embassy in Kabul early Wednesday, forcing hundreds of staffers into bunkers at the very start of the Christmas holiday, according to Embassy officials. 

"At approximately 6:40 local time in Kabul, approximately two rounds of indirect fire impacted the U.S. Embassy compound," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. "All Americans are accounted for and no injuries were sustained." 

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, and said "heavy casualties" had been inflicted. There was no mention of the Christmas holiday, which is the biggest annual celebration for Christians.

In contrast to the claims of the insurgents, U.S. officials have reported no major structural damage to the Embassy, though assessments were said to still be underway at the time of publishing.

The Embassy sits in a heavily securitized neighborhood of Kabul, right near the ISAF headquarters and Presidential Palace. 

Kabul Police Chief General Zaher Zaher said that another two explosions occured in other parts of the city early Wednesday.

Zaher said the police recieved a tip that explosives had been placed in the Qalae Zaman Khan neighborhood's graveyard in the 16 District of the city. 

One of the rockets detonated cleanly, but did not cause any casualties, according to Zahir.

"The second blast was was the result of a mine placed near the rocket, and when security forces were trying to difuse it the mine exploded," he said. 

Reportedly, three police officers were wounded by the mine blast. 

Zahir said a suspect was arrested in connection to the attacks, but declined to share any further details. 

Rocket attacks in Kabul have been rare in recent years, but insurgents have vowed to step up pressure on the U.S. and Afghan authorities before next year's presidential election in April and the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO combat forces at the end of 2014.

There were a number of high-profile attacks in Kabul during the fighting season this year, including ones on the Presidential Palace, Supreme Court and International Airport. 

The U.S. currently has 47,000 troops in Afghanistan, and is expected to take on an increasingly hands-off role in Afghan security in the coming months, primarily training, advising and assisting the Afghan forces.


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