MPs evacuating parliament Kabul following Taliban attack (image Faryab MP)

Islamic Emirate, (Afghan Taliban) spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for an attack on the parliament building in Kabul which included a suicide bomber, rocket attack and around 7 gunmen. Smoke was seen rising from vicinity of the building the detonation of an alleg car bomb. He stated, “we have launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country’s defence minister.” The assault is part of the Taliban offensive Azm meaning “Resolve, Perseverance or Determination”. Earlier this year Taliban gave the following warning,

“as usual, advanced fighting techniques will be exercised in these military operations of ‘Azm’. Martyrdom seeking attacks for the devastation of infidels, infiltration attacks among the enemy ranks, attacking the huge and relatively fortified centers of the enemy with heavy and long-range missiles, confrontational attacks against the already demoralized mercenary forces of the enemy and guerrilla attacks in all major cities are among the main tactics of these operations.”

Smoke seen rising from vicinity of parliament building following alleged car bomb

The attack took place during a live television broadcast and caught the moment of explosion and MPs being evacuated from the building. There were conflicting reports as to whether the attackers were able to gain entry into the parliament building.

The following clip from local media of the blast which shook parliament building was posted by Hazaristan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tqvSkiWu4E&feature=youtu.be

TOLOnews 21 June 2015 Taliban Attack Parliament

Inside Kabul parliament shortly after attack (image, Faryab MP)

Pajhwok Afghan News tweeted,

“Afghan members of Parliament and journalists there, are save, but few Secretariat employees are wounded.”

TOLO News tweeted the following,

KABUL – Rahmani says that Parliament was warned a few days ago that they would come under attack

and

KABUL – 21 civilians injured in Parliament attack – incl 5 women and 3 children: health officials

Security concerns in the region escalated as TOLO also reported a separate incident, stating, “BREAKING: Ministry of Interior confirms a Dutch national – a woman – was kidnapped in Kabul early Monday morning.” This comes only weeks after Islamic Emirate claimed responsibility for an attack on the Park Palace Guest House, Kabul where aid workers, locals and foreign officials were gathered for an evening of entertainment.

The Taliban have also gained ground in Kunduz where two districts have been taken in two days. On 20th June, Islamic Emirate Tweeted,

“BREAKING Mujahidin overran Char Dara district HQ and 12 surrounding check posts (#Kunduz), 24 gunmen killed, 19 wounded & 25 detained.”

A tweet today from Taliban sources stated,

“Mujahidin overran Dash Archi district HQ & 14 CPs, 28 gunmen killed, dozens wounded; 8 APCs, 15 vehicles + arms/ammo seized #Azm.” 

The parliament attack is now reported to be over with deputy interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish informing AFP, “the attack has ended now. Seven attackers were involved ─ one detonated a car near the parliament building and six were killed by security forces after they entered a nearby building.” Islamic Emirate stated, “attack on Parliament ends, complete details will be updated later.”

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.