Attack thwarted, 4 fighters killed

SHARNA (PAN): Four suicide attackers who tried to attack crowded government offices were killed by Afghan security forces in southeastern Paktika province, an official said on Monday.

The four-member militant group who took up positions inside the municipality market in Sharan, the provincial capital, targeted government offices, Mukhles Afghan, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said the assailants, equipped with light and heavy weapons, entered the compound of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) Department.

After the militants stormed the building, they faced tough resistance from the quick reaction police force and NDS team and the clash continued until midnight, he added.

About 32 civilians trapped inside the building were safely evacuated, he said, adding that only one civilian was slightly injured. No security personnel were hurt in the shootout.

As usual, Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with their spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying a number of security forces had been killed. He did not reveal exact casualty figures.

 mrh/vp/mud