17 Jan 2013

Suicide bombers target Kabul security building

4:03 pm on 17 January 2013

Suicide bombers have attacked a building belonging to Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security in the capital Kabul, officials say.

Six suicide attackers and an Afghan security guard were killed in the attack that began about midday on Wednesday (local time).

At least 17 civilians have been hurt.

A minibus with the attackers inside was detonated but another bomb-laden car defused, police said.

The Taliban, who have launched several high-profile raids on Kabul, have claimed responsibility.

The BBC reports that the attacked area is often packed with civilians who come to collect passports and national identity cards at the interior ministry.

The NDS centre houses several Afghan ministries and Western embassies.