A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country.

Another five were wounded in the blast near the facility in Kabul, which police spokesman Basir Mujahid said had hit a vehicle that staff of Pul-e-Charkhi prison were travelling in. &nbsp;

The attacker was on foot, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. He struck as the bus was entering the jail in the east of the Afghan capital. &nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, but the Islamic State group (IS) has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

The attack comes days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in Kabul, killing at least one person and wounding six.

A wave of election-related violence has killed or wounded hundreds across the country in recent months as the Taliban and IS step up attacks on Afghan security forces and government workers.

Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary election, which was held over three days this month, was marred by chaos and deadly attacks.

Two days before voting began on October 20, a Taliban-claimed shooting killed a powerful police chief in the southern province of Kandahar.

General Abdul Raziq was among three people killed in the brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in the provincial capital that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting, which the Taliban said had targeted Miller and Raziq.

US officials and NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan were adamant that Miller had not been a target.

Several days later another Taliban-claimed assault killed a NATO soldier and wounded two others -- all from the Czech Republic -- in the western province of Herat.

The attacks came amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, to negotiate an end to the 17-year war.

Earlier this month, newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Qatar.

Less than two weeks later a top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years was freed.

A senior Taliban leader told AFP the group had requested the release of Abdul Ghani Baradar and several others at the meeting with Khalilzad.&nbsp;

A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country.

A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country. Another five were wounded in the blast near the facility in Kabul, which police spokesman Basir Mujahid said had hit a vehicle that staff of Pul-e-Charkhi prison were travelling in. The attacker was on foot, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. He struck as the bus was entering the jail in the east of the Afghan capital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, but the Islamic State group (IS) has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. The attack comes days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in Kabul, killing at least one person and wounding six. A wave of election-related violence has killed or wounded hundreds across the country in recent months as the Taliban and IS step up attacks on Afghan security forces and government workers. Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary election, which was held over three days this month, was marred by chaos and deadly attacks. Two days before voting began on October 20, a Taliban-claimed shooting killed a powerful police chief in the southern province of Kandahar. General Abdul Raziq was among three people killed in the brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in the provincial capital that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting, which the Taliban said had targeted Miller and Raziq. US officials and NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan were adamant that Miller had not been a target. Several days later another Taliban-claimed assault killed a NATO soldier and wounded two others -- all from the Czech Republic -- in the western province of Herat. The attacks came amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, to negotiate an end to the 17-year war. Earlier this month, newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Qatar. Less than two weeks later a top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years was freed. A senior Taliban leader told AFP the group had requested the release of Abdul Ghani Baradar and several others at the meeting with Khalilzad.

Seven killed in suicide attack near Kabul prison

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/america-had-no-achievements-un-general-assembly-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-167997">America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-raising-kashmir-issue-international-forum-unwarranted-india-168008">Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India</a>

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989">Supreme Court's verdict on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989">entry</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989"> of women in Sabarimala tomorrow</a>

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rockets-hit-ghazni-during-president-ashraf-ghanis-visit-taliban-claims">Afghanistan: Rockets hit Ghazni during president Ashraf Ghani's visit, Taliban claims responsibility</a>

Three rockets hit the Afghan's Ghazni on Thursday while President Ashraf Ghani was visiting the city.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001">Woman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001"> who accused Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault to face </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001">high-stakes</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001"> hearing</a>

A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

&nbsp;

America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday. Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up. Supreme Court's verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala tomorrow Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said. Afghanistan: Rockets hit Ghazni during president Ashraf Ghani's visit, Taliban claims responsibility Three rockets hit the Afghan's Ghazni on Thursday while President Ashraf Ghani was visiting the city. Woman who accused Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault to face high-stakes hearing A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war.

Another six children were wounded in the blast on Friday, including two who had lost limbs and were in a critical condition in a hospital in the northwestern province of Faryab. All the children were aged between five and 12.

"They found an unexploded mortar shell and brought it near our house," Shukrullah, an uncle of four of the children killed, told AFP.

"They didn't know what it was and were trying to open it when it suddenly exploded." Mohammad Alam, who was a cousin of four of the children, said he heard a "big explosion".

"I rushed to the site and saw the kids covered in blood," Alam told AFP from the hospital.

"They had found an unexploded shell and were playing with it when it went off." Officials were quick to blame the explosion on the Taliban, which last week captured Koh-e-Sayad village where the children lived.

The militants had planted a mine near a security checkpoint, Faryab police spokesman Abdul Karim Yoresh told AFP.

"On Friday afternoon the children were passing the area when the mine hit them," Yoresh said.

Children are often killed or maimed by explosive devices left over from decades of conflict, carelessly discarded or deliberately planted.

Civilians, including children, have borne the brunt of the conflict which began with the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime.

UN figures show 3,179 children were killed or wounded in 2017, accounting for almost one-third of the total civilian casualties for the year.

Improvised explosive devices, such as remotely detonated or pressure-plate bombs, killed or wounded 545 of them. Unexploded ordnance claimed the lives of 142 children and wounded 376 in the same period.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war.

Eight children, including four siblings, were killed in Afghanistan when a mortar shell they were playing with exploded, relatives said Saturday, adding to the ever-growing civilian toll in the 17-year war. Another six children were wounded in the blast on Friday, including two who had lost limbs and were in a critical condition in a hospital in the northwestern province of Faryab. All the children were aged between five and 12. "They found an unexploded mortar shell and brought it near our house," Shukrullah, an uncle of four of the children killed, told AFP. "They didn't know what it was and were trying to open it when it suddenly exploded." Mohammad Alam, who was a cousin of four of the children, said he heard a "big explosion". "I rushed to the site and saw the kids covered in blood," Alam told AFP from the hospital. "They had found an unexploded shell and were playing with it when it went off." Officials were quick to blame the explosion on the Taliban, which last week captured Koh-e-Sayad village where the children lived. The militants had planted a mine near a security checkpoint, Faryab police spokesman Abdul Karim Yoresh told AFP. "On Friday afternoon the children were passing the area when the mine hit them," Yoresh said. Children are often killed or maimed by explosive devices left over from decades of conflict, carelessly discarded or deliberately planted. Civilians, including children, have borne the brunt of the conflict which began with the US-led invasion in 2001 that toppled the Taliban regime. UN figures show 3,179 children were killed or wounded in 2017, accounting for almost one-third of the total civilian casualties for the year. Improvised explosive devices, such as remotely detonated or pressure-plate bombs, killed or wounded 545 of them. Unexploded ordnance claimed the lives of 142 children and wounded 376 in the same period.

Eight Afghan children killed playing with unexploded mortar shell

At least 15 security personnel were killed in Afghanistan in an attack in Kunduz province on Monday.

The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad.

According to a media report, earlier in the day an explosion and gunfire were heard in the Jalalabad city of Nangarhar.

The gunfight between the security forces and the Taliban is still underway.

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It is confirmed that gunmen have attacked the education department's building in Jalalabad and a gunfight is currently underway, reports TOLOnews quoting Asif Shinwari, head of Education Department for Nangarhar, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/YZzFTFPScY">pic.twitter.com/YZzFTFPScY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006049883088826368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad

At least 15 security personnel were killed in Afghanistan in an attack in Kunduz province on Monday. The attackers had targetted the education department's building in Jalalabad. According to a media report, earlier in the day an explosion and gunfire were heard in the Jalalabad city of Nangarhar. The gunfight between the security forces and the Taliban is still underway. It is confirmed that gunmen have attacked the education department's building in Jalalabad and a gunfight is currently underway, reports TOLOnews quoting Asif Shinwari, head of Education Department for Nangarhar, #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/YZzFTFPScY — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 ×

15 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attack in Kunduz province

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul.&nbsp;

The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul.

The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district.&nbsp;

Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30.

The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The suicide bomber was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul

Afghanistan Police saved dozens of lives on Monday after they prevented a suicide bomber from attacking a busy area in the capital city Kabul. The police shot dead a suicide bomber who was apparently planning to attack an outdoor blood donor facility in central Kabul. The police opened fire at him as he approached the centre, in a park in the Shar-e-Naw commercial district. Besides the bomber, nobody else was injured in the area. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of bomb blasts in the recent weeks. Nine journalists were killed in twin blasts that jolted capital city Kabul on April 30. The country is undergoing an increase in bombings and other attacks since April 25, after the Taliban announced the onset of their spring season.

Afghanistan Police prevent attack, shoot dead suicide bomber in Kabul

Four civilians and two soldiers were killed in a Taliban suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan on Saturday.

The suicide bomber attacked an army base using a minivan in southern Helmand province.

The death toll in the attack may rise, an army corps commander spokesperson said.

While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban insurgents had announced on last Wednesday about their annual spring offensive.

The statement issued by the Taliban insurgents on Wednesday said that the "Al-Khandaq" offensive would make use of "new and intricate tactics" aimed at "crushing, killing and capturing American invaders and their supporters."&nbsp;

The outbreak of spring has traditionally brought an increase in violence in Afghanistan, as melting snow allows fighters to more easily cross the mountainous terrain.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Four civilians and two soldiers were killed in a Taliban suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan on Saturday

Four civilians and two soldiers were killed in a Taliban suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan on Saturday. The suicide bomber attacked an army base using a minivan in southern Helmand province. The death toll in the attack may rise, an army corps commander spokesperson said. While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban insurgents had announced on last Wednesday about their annual spring offensive. The statement issued by the Taliban insurgents on Wednesday said that the "Al-Khandaq" offensive would make use of "new and intricate tactics" aimed at "crushing, killing and capturing American invaders and their supporters." The outbreak of spring has traditionally brought an increase in violence in Afghanistan, as melting snow allows fighters to more easily cross the mountainous terrain. (With inputs from Reuters)

6 killed in suicide car bomb attack in Afghanistan

Gunmen launched a pre-dawn attack on a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunfire-and-explosions-at-marshal-fahim-military-university-in-kabul-31031" target="_blank"> military academy in Kabul </a>on Monday, security officials said,&nbsp;in an ongoing assault that marks the latest violence to strike the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week.&nbsp;

At least four attackers were still involved in an intense gun battle with security forces, the source said, adding the gunmen had not managed to enter the heavily fortified academy.

Three soldiers have been wounded, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.

&quot;One bomber detonated himself and the rest of the attackers are resisting. They are under siege by our forces,&quot; Waziri added.

Witnesses said they heard several explosions and gunfire at around 5:00 am at the academy on the outskirts of Kabul where high-ranking military officers are trained.&nbsp;

A reporter at the scene said he could &quot;hear explosions&quot;. Security forces have swarmed the area and blocked the road leading to the academy.&nbsp;

An officer inside the academy&#39;s compound said he heard an explosion followed by an exchange of gunfire.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid confirmed that there had been rocket and gunfire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the raid, which comes days after a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of the city, killing and wounding hundreds.&nbsp;

At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday&#39;s lunchtime attack -- one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years -- which was followed by a national day of mourning in the war-weary country.

The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital.&nbsp;

Monday&#39;s raid came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians.

On January 20, Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners.

But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers

Kabul is on high alert as the city braces for further attacks. Security warnings sent to foreigners in recent days said IS militants were planning to attack supermarkets, hotels and shops frequented by foreigners.&nbsp;

Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week

Gunmen launched a pre-dawn attack on a military academy in Kabul on Monday, security officials said, in an ongoing assault that marks the latest violence to strike the Afghan capital. Some of the attackers at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy have been killed, an Afghan security source said, in the third major attack in the city in just over a week. At least four attackers were still involved in an intense gun battle with security forces, the source said, adding the gunmen had not managed to enter the heavily fortified academy. Three soldiers have been wounded, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. "One bomber detonated himself and the rest of the attackers are resisting. They are under siege by our forces," Waziri added. Witnesses said they heard several explosions and gunfire at around 5:00 am at the academy on the outskirts of Kabul where high-ranking military officers are trained. A reporter at the scene said he could "hear explosions". Security forces have swarmed the area and blocked the road leading to the academy. An officer inside the academy's compound said he heard an explosion followed by an exchange of gunfire. Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid confirmed that there had been rocket and gunfire. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the raid, which comes days after a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of the city, killing and wounding hundreds. At least 103 people were killed and 235 wounded in Saturday's lunchtime attack -- one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years -- which was followed by a national day of mourning in the war-weary country. The government has blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, which Afghan and Western officials suspect of involvement in at least some of the recent attacks in the capital. Monday's raid came as both the insurgents and the Islamic State group have escalated their attacks on Kabul, turning it into one of the deadliest places in Afghanistan for civilians. On January 20, Taliban insurgents stormed Kabul's landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority foreigners. But there is still confusion over the true toll from that attack with conflicting figures given by officials and Afghan media reporting higher numbers Kabul is on high alert as the city braces for further attacks. Security warnings sent to foreigners in recent days said IS militants were planning to attack supermarkets, hotels and shops frequented by foreigners.

Gunmen attack Kabul military academy: Officials

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/improving-health-infrastructure-is-priority-modi-25761" target="_blank">Those releasing fatwas against &#39;nationalists&#39; should see effort we took to get Father Tom back: Modi</a>

Speaking about the efforts taken by the Central government to bring back father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was freed after being kept in captivity by ISIS for 18 months in strife-torn Yemen, Modi said those who are releasing Fatwas against &#39;nationalists&#39; should see the effort we undertook to get Father Tom back.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ockhicyclone-may-now-hit-gujarat-coast-25758" target="_blank">Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast</a>

After creating havoc in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Cyclone&nbsp;Ockhi may now hit Gujarat. Warnings have been issued to fishermen in Saurashtra, Gujarat.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/six-including-woman-child-killed-in-suicide-attack-in-afghanistan-25747" target="_blank">Six including woman, child killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan</a>

At least six civilians, including a woman and a child, have been killed and 13 others injured after a blast in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan&nbsp;on Sunday afternoon, local officials confirmed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a>

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them. Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-group-says-fires-missile-toward-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25754" target="_blank">Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels</a>

Yemen&#39;s Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group&#39;s television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.

Those releasing fatwas against 'nationalists' should see effort we took to get Father Tom back: Modi Speaking about the efforts taken by the Central government to bring back father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was freed after being kept in captivity by ISIS for 18 months in strife-torn Yemen, Modi said those who are releasing Fatwas against 'nationalists' should see the effort we undertook to get Father Tom back. Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast After creating havoc in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat. Warnings have been issued to fishermen in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Six including woman, child killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan At least six civilians, including a woman and a child, have been killed and 13 others injured after a blast in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan on Sunday afternoon, local officials confirmed. Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power. Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels Yemen's Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group's television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.

WION evening news brief, December 3, 2017

&quot;The attack has ended,&quot; journalist Parwiz Sapy told his viewers moments after the attack on an Afghan TV station ended.&nbsp;

Sapy was talking about the TV station that he worked for.&nbsp;

Islamic State activists had attacked Afghanistan&#39;s Shamsad TV station on November 7.&nbsp;

The attackers had posed as policemen.&nbsp;

One security guard died in the attack and 24 people were injured.&nbsp;

Moments after the attack ended, Sapy was on air talking to his viewers.&nbsp;

A news report in Al Jazeera said Sapy appeared very calm as he talked his viewers through the attack. &nbsp;

&quot;Asalamualikum (Peace be upon you) Shamshad TV viewers, all staff members inside the building have been rescued,&quot; Al Jazeera reported Sapy as saying in Pashto.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sapy added that all Shamsad TV journalists were back on duty.&nbsp;

The station reported that at least one attacker had blown himself up at the gate while another ran inside.&nbsp;

Sapy said the Shamsad newsroom had been in the middle of their daily morning meeting when they heard gunfire.

Shamshad TV &nbsp;runs in partnership with BBC and broadcasts a variety of programmes including news and current affairs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The journalist appeared very calm and presented the news moments after the attack was over

"The attack has ended," journalist Parwiz Sapy told his viewers moments after the attack on an Afghan TV station ended. Sapy was talking about the TV station that he worked for. Islamic State activists had attacked Afghanistan's Shamsad TV station on November 7. The attackers had posed as policemen. One security guard died in the attack and 24 people were injured. Moments after the attack ended, Sapy was on air talking to his viewers. A news report in Al Jazeera said Sapy appeared very calm as he talked his viewers through the attack. "Asalamualikum (Peace be upon you) Shamshad TV viewers, all staff members inside the building have been rescued," Al Jazeera reported Sapy as saying in Pashto. Sapy added that all Shamsad TV journalists were back on duty. The station reported that at least one attacker had blown himself up at the gate while another ran inside. Sapy said the Shamsad newsroom had been in the middle of their daily morning meeting when they heard gunfire. Shamshad TV runs in partnership with BBC and broadcasts a variety of programmes including news and current affairs.

Afghan journalist goes on air moments after attack on his TV station

At least 10 policemen were killed and four injured in an attack by the Taliban attack near the India-built Salma dam in Afghanistan&#39;s Herat province on Saturday night, police said today (June 25).

Taliban militants stormed a check post in Chesht district and escaped with most of the security personnel&#39;s weapons, a police spokesperson said.

He, however, added that the dam has previously been the target for Pakistan-based terror outfits.

India&#39;s Ambassador to Afghanistan Manpreet Vohra confirmed to a news channel that the militants were not targeting the Salma dam, since the attack took place 13 kms from it.

Four Taliban militants were also gunned down by the security forces during the attack.

&quot;Four Taliban insurgents were also killed in the clash with security forces,&quot; spokesman for provincial police chief, Gelani Farhad was quoted as saying by Tolonews.

India started rebuilding the Salma Dam, or the India-Afghanistan Friendship dam as it is popularly known, in 2002. &nbsp;The dam was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in 2016.

 
&nbsp;

The attack took place in Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday night, police said

At least 10 policemen were killed and four injured in an attack by the Taliban attack near the India-built Salma dam in Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday night, police said today (June 25). Taliban militants stormed a check post in Chesht district and escaped with most of the security personnel's weapons, a police spokesperson said. He, however, added that the dam has previously been the target for Pakistan-based terror outfits. India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Manpreet Vohra confirmed to a news channel that the militants were not targeting the Salma dam, since the attack took place 13 kms from it. Four Taliban militants were also gunned down by the security forces during the attack. "Four Taliban insurgents were also killed in the clash with security forces," spokesman for provincial police chief, Gelani Farhad was quoted as saying by Tolonews. India started rebuilding the Salma Dam, or the India-Afghanistan Friendship dam as it is popularly known, in 2002. The dam was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in 2016.

Afghanistan: 10 policemen killed in Taliban attack near India-built Salma dam

A suicide bomber killed at least 18 people in Afghanistan on Saturday and fighting between militants and security forces left at least 36 people dead on the first day of Islam&#39;s holy Month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

&quot;A suicide car bomb in Khost province has killed 18 people and wounded six others, including two children,&quot; ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter.

In the north-western province of Badghis, militants attacked security forces in Qadis district, sparking fighting that killed 22 insurgents, six security forces personnel, and eight civilians, said Zahir Bahand a spokesman for the provincial governor.

The fighting also left 33 militants and 17 civilians wounded, he said.

The Western-backed Afghan government is battling both Taliban and Islamic State militants around the country.&nbsp;

Taliban forces have increased their attacks in the weeks before Ramzan, with a string of strikes in Kandahar, Paktia, and Helmand, among other provinces.

Muslims around the world typically mark Ramzanwith fasting, prayers, and other observances, although the holy month can begin on different days in different countries.&nbsp;

 
(Reuters)

&nbsp;

Taliban forces have increased their attacks in the weeks before Ramzan, with a string of strikes in Kandahar, Paktia, and Helmand, among other provinces

A suicide bomber killed at least 18 people in Afghanistan on Saturday and fighting between militants and security forces left at least 36 people dead on the first day of Islam's holy Month of Ramzan. "A suicide car bomb in Khost province has killed 18 people and wounded six others, including two children," ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter. In the north-western province of Badghis, militants attacked security forces in Qadis district, sparking fighting that killed 22 insurgents, six security forces personnel, and eight civilians, said Zahir Bahand a spokesman for the provincial governor. The fighting also left 33 militants and 17 civilians wounded, he said. The Western-backed Afghan government is battling both Taliban and Islamic State militants around the country. Taliban forces have increased their attacks in the weeks before Ramzan, with a string of strikes in Kandahar, Paktia, and Helmand, among other provinces. Muslims around the world typically mark Ramzanwith fasting, prayers, and other observances, although the holy month can begin on different days in different countries. (Reuters)

At least 18 killed in car bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan on first day of Ramzan

Gunmen stormed a bank in southeastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing three people and wounding over 30 more, officials said, as the country struggles with a rise in violent attacks.

Five attackers, armed with suicide vests and guns, forced their way inside after one of them blew themselves up at the entrance of New Kabul Bank in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, Abdullah Hasrat the provincial spokesman told AFP.

&quot;People were queueing to receive their monthly salaries from the bank when they were attacked,&quot; he said.

Abdul Wali the deputy provincial governor said most of people in the bank were members of the security forces.

&quot;After around two hours of stand off, all the attackers were killed. Unfortunately, two police and a civilian also lost their lives,&quot; he said adding that 31 other people were wounded.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but militants such as Taliban and the Islamic State group have previously carried out similar attacks, including on banks where Afghan security forces regularly collect their pay.

In 2014, an attack on Kabul Bank killed at least ten people, including five police, in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.

Similarly, a Taliban attack on a bank killed around 40 people in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province in 2011.&nbsp;

(AFP)

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but militants such as Taliban and the Islamic State group have previously carried out similar attacks

Gunmen stormed a bank in southeastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing three people and wounding over 30 more, officials said, as the country struggles with a rise in violent attacks. Five attackers, armed with suicide vests and guns, forced their way inside after one of them blew themselves up at the entrance of New Kabul Bank in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, Abdullah Hasrat the provincial spokesman told AFP. "People were queueing to receive their monthly salaries from the bank when they were attacked," he said. Abdul Wali the deputy provincial governor said most of people in the bank were members of the security forces. "After around two hours of stand off, all the attackers were killed. Unfortunately, two police and a civilian also lost their lives," he said adding that 31 other people were wounded. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but militants such as Taliban and the Islamic State group have previously carried out similar attacks, including on banks where Afghan security forces regularly collect their pay. In 2014, an attack on Kabul Bank killed at least ten people, including five police, in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. Similarly, a Taliban attack on a bank killed around 40 people in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province in 2011. (AFP)

Three dead, 30 hurt in Afghan bank attack

As many 140 Afghan soldiers were killed on Friday by Taliban attackers apparently disguised in military uniforms in what would be the deadliest attack ever on an Afghan military base, officials said.

One official in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, where the attack occurred, said on Saturday at least 140 soldiers were killed and many others wounded. Other officials said the toll was likely to be even higher.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the government has yet to release official casualty figures.

A US&nbsp;official in Washington on Friday had put the toll at more than 50 killed and wounded.

As many as 10 Taliban fighters, dressed in Afghan army uniforms and driving military vehicles, talked their way onto the base and opened fire on soldiers eating dinner and leaving a mosque after Friday prayers, according to officials. The attackers used rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, they said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement on Saturday the attack was retribution for the recent killing of several senior Taliban leaders in northern Afghanistan.

The NATO-led military coalition deploys advisers to the base where the attack occurred to train and assist the Afghan forces but coalition officials said no international troops were involved in the attack.

The Western-backed Afghan government is locked in a prolonged war with Taliban insurgents and other militant groups. 
 
(Reuters)

Afghan soldiers were killed by Taliban attackers disguised in military uniforms in what would be the deadliest attack ever on an Afghan base

As many 140 Afghan soldiers were killed on Friday by Taliban attackers apparently disguised in military uniforms in what would be the deadliest attack ever on an Afghan military base, officials said. One official in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, where the attack occurred, said on Saturday at least 140 soldiers were killed and many others wounded. Other officials said the toll was likely to be even higher. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the government has yet to release official casualty figures. A US official in Washington on Friday had put the toll at more than 50 killed and wounded. As many as 10 Taliban fighters, dressed in Afghan army uniforms and driving military vehicles, talked their way onto the base and opened fire on soldiers eating dinner and leaving a mosque after Friday prayers, according to officials. The attackers used rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, they said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement on Saturday the attack was retribution for the recent killing of several senior Taliban leaders in northern Afghanistan. The NATO-led military coalition deploys advisers to the base where the attack occurred to train and assist the Afghan forces but coalition officials said no international troops were involved in the attack. The Western-backed Afghan government is locked in a prolonged war with Taliban insurgents and other militant groups. (Reuters)

Death toll in Afghan army base attack rises to 140, officials say

Gunmen dressed as doctors stormed Afghanistan&#39;s largest military hospital Wednesday, killing more than 30 people in a six-hour attack claimed by the Islamic State group as it makes inroads into the war-battered country.

Around 50 others were wounded in the assault on the Sardar Daud Khan hospital, with explosions and gunfire rattling Kabul&#39;s diplomatic district as dense clouds of smoke rose in the sky.

Medical staff hunkered down in the hospital wards posted desperate messages for help on social media. Television footage showed some of them trapped on the ledge of a top-floor window.

&quot;Attackers are inside the hospital. Pray for us,&quot; a hospital staff member wrote on Facebook.

Hospital administrators told AFP three gunmen wearing white laboratory coats began spraying bullets after a suicide bomber on foot blew himself up at the backdoor entrance, sparking chaos inside the 400-bed facility.

&quot;I saw one of the attackers, armed with an AK-47 and dressed as a doctor, shooting at patients and guards on the third floor,&quot; hospital nurse Abdul Qadeer told AFP.

&quot;They shot my friend but I managed to flee... I had to jump over the barbed wire to escape.&quot;

At least two other loud explosions -- including what the defence ministry called a car bomb in the hospital&#39;s parking lot -- were heard as Afghan special forces launched a clearance operation that lasted around six hours.

The attackers were gunned down after special forces landed on the roof of the hospital in a military helicopter.&nbsp;

&quot;More than 30 people were killed and around 50 wounded in today&#39;s attack,&quot; defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP. &quot;Most of the victims are patients, doctors and nurses.&quot;

&nbsp;&#39;Criminal act&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Afghanistan&#39;s warring parties, including government forces, have repeatedly targeted medical facilities, decimating the country&#39;s fragile health system and preventing conflict-displaced civilians from accessing life-saving care.

&quot;This is a criminal act. Nothing can justify an attack on hospitals,&quot; Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said of the latest attack.&nbsp;

&quot;We will never forgive these criminals. Unfortunately, this attack has resulted in some casualties.&quot;

Islamic State jihadists claimed the attack via a verified Telegram account.&nbsp;

The more powerful Taliban said they were not behind the raid. The militant group, Afghanistan&#39;s largest, is known to distance itself from attacks on medical facilities or those that result in high civilian casualties.

The assault comes just a week after 16 people were killed in simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds in Kabul.

Dozens of others were wounded as a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul and a five-hour gun battle ensued after another attacker sneaked in.

In the second attack last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul.

The carnage underscores rising insecurity. The country is bracing for an intense fighting season in the spring as the government&#39;s repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed.

Afghan forces, already beset by record casualties, desertions and non-existent &quot;ghost soldiers&quot; on the payroll, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.

Kabul last month endorsed US General John Nicholson&#39;s call for thousands of additional coalition troops to hold off the militants before the spring offensive.

Extra troops were needed to end the stalemate in the war, Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told the US Congress in what could be President Donald Trump&#39;s first major test of military strategy. 
 
(AFP)

Three gunmen wearing white laboratory coats were on the loose after a suicide bomber on foot blew himself up in the hospital

Gunmen dressed as doctors stormed Afghanistan's largest military hospital Wednesday, killing more than 30 people in a six-hour attack claimed by the Islamic State group as it makes inroads into the war-battered country. Around 50 others were wounded in the assault on the Sardar Daud Khan hospital, with explosions and gunfire rattling Kabul's diplomatic district as dense clouds of smoke rose in the sky. Medical staff hunkered down in the hospital wards posted desperate messages for help on social media. Television footage showed some of them trapped on the ledge of a top-floor window. "Attackers are inside the hospital. Pray for us," a hospital staff member wrote on Facebook. Hospital administrators told AFP three gunmen wearing white laboratory coats began spraying bullets after a suicide bomber on foot blew himself up at the backdoor entrance, sparking chaos inside the 400-bed facility. "I saw one of the attackers, armed with an AK-47 and dressed as a doctor, shooting at patients and guards on the third floor," hospital nurse Abdul Qadeer told AFP. "They shot my friend but I managed to flee... I had to jump over the barbed wire to escape." At least two other loud explosions -- including what the defence ministry called a car bomb in the hospital's parking lot -- were heard as Afghan special forces launched a clearance operation that lasted around six hours. The attackers were gunned down after special forces landed on the roof of the hospital in a military helicopter. "More than 30 people were killed and around 50 wounded in today's attack," defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP. "Most of the victims are patients, doctors and nurses." 'Criminal act' Afghanistan's warring parties, including government forces, have repeatedly targeted medical facilities, decimating the country's fragile health system and preventing conflict-displaced civilians from accessing life-saving care. "This is a criminal act. Nothing can justify an attack on hospitals," Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said of the latest attack. "We will never forgive these criminals. Unfortunately, this attack has resulted in some casualties." Islamic State jihadists claimed the attack via a verified Telegram account. The more powerful Taliban said they were not behind the raid. The militant group, Afghanistan's largest, is known to distance itself from attacks on medical facilities or those that result in high civilian casualties. The assault comes just a week after 16 people were killed in simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds in Kabul. Dozens of others were wounded as a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul and a five-hour gun battle ensued after another attacker sneaked in. In the second attack last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul. The carnage underscores rising insecurity. The country is bracing for an intense fighting season in the spring as the government's repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed. Afghan forces, already beset by record casualties, desertions and non-existent "ghost soldiers" on the payroll, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014. Kabul last month endorsed US General John Nicholson's call for thousands of additional coalition troops to hold off the militants before the spring offensive. Extra troops were needed to end the stalemate in the war, Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told the US Congress in what could be President Donald Trump's first major test of military strategy. (AFP)

Over 30 killed, 50 injured as Islamic State gunmen storm military hospital in Kabul

The death toll from a powerful Taliban truck bombing at the German consulate in Afghanistan&#39;s Mazar-i-Sharif city rose to at least six Friday, with more than 100 others wounded in a major militant assault.

The Taliban said the bombing late Thursday, which tore a massive crater in the road and overturned cars, was a &quot;revenge attack&quot; for US air strikes this month in the volatile province of Kunduz that left 32 civilians dead. The explosion, followed by sporadic gunfire, reverberated across the usually tranquil northern city, shearing off the facades of nearby buildings and blowing out windows several miles away.

&quot;The suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the wall of the German consulate,&quot; local police chief Sayed Kamal Sadat told AFP.

All German staff from the consulate were unharmed, according to the foreign ministry in Berlin. The city&#39;s hospitals received six dead bodies, including two killed by bullets, said local doctor Noor Mohammad Fayez.

At least 128 others were wounded, some of them critically and many with shrapnel injuries, he added.

Deputy police chief Abdul Razaq Qadri gave a death toll of seven, including two motorcyclists who were shot dead by German forces close to the consulate after they refused to heed their warning to stop. A suspect had also been detained near the diplomatic mission on Friday morning, Qadri added.

&quot;The consulate building has been heavily damaged,&quot; the German foreign ministry said in a statement. &quot;Our sympathies go out to the Afghan injured and their families.&quot;

A diplomatic source in Berlin said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had convened a crisis meeting soon after the attack. &quot;There was fighting outside and on the grounds of the consulate,&quot; a ministry spokesman said. &quot;Afghan security forces and Resolute Support (NATO) forces from Camp Marmal (German base in Mazar-i-Sharif) are on the scene.&quot;

Afghan special forces cordoned off the consulate, previously well-known as Mazar Hotel, after the explosion as helicopters flew over the site and ambulances with wailing sirens rushed to the area. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity in Afghanistan as Taliban insurgents ramp up nationwide attacks despite repeated government attempts to jump-start stalled peace negotiations.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the &quot;barbaric&quot; attack, calling it a crime against humanity.

America&#39;s longest war&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the &quot;martyrdom attack&quot; on the consulate had left &quot;tens of invaders&quot; dead. The insurgents routinely exaggerate battlefield claims.&nbsp;

Posting a Google Earth image of the consulate on Twitter, Mujahid said the assault was in retaliation for American air strikes in Kunduz.

US forces conceded last week that its air strikes &quot;very likely&quot; resulted in civilian casualties in Kunduz, pledging a full investigation into the incident. The strikes killed several children and triggered impassioned protests in Kunduz city, with the victims&#39; relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets.

They came after a Taliban assault left two American soldiers and three Afghan special forces soldiers dead near Kunduz city. Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism.

The country&#39;s worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up air strikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fuelling the perception that they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. The latest attack in Mazar-i-Sharif comes just two days after a bitter US presidential election.

Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention in the election campaign -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to inherit America&#39;s longest war with no end in sight.

(AFP)

The consulate in Afghanistan's northern Mazar-i-Sharif city was hit by a truck bomb

The death toll from a powerful Taliban truck bombing at the German consulate in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif city rose to at least six Friday, with more than 100 others wounded in a major militant assault. The Taliban said the bombing late Thursday, which tore a massive crater in the road and overturned cars, was a "revenge attack" for US air strikes this month in the volatile province of Kunduz that left 32 civilians dead. The explosion, followed by sporadic gunfire, reverberated across the usually tranquil northern city, shearing off the facades of nearby buildings and blowing out windows several miles away. "The suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the wall of the German consulate," local police chief Sayed Kamal Sadat told AFP. All German staff from the consulate were unharmed, according to the foreign ministry in Berlin. The city's hospitals received six dead bodies, including two killed by bullets, said local doctor Noor Mohammad Fayez. At least 128 others were wounded, some of them critically and many with shrapnel injuries, he added. Deputy police chief Abdul Razaq Qadri gave a death toll of seven, including two motorcyclists who were shot dead by German forces close to the consulate after they refused to heed their warning to stop. A suspect had also been detained near the diplomatic mission on Friday morning, Qadri added. "The consulate building has been heavily damaged," the German foreign ministry said in a statement. "Our sympathies go out to the Afghan injured and their families." A diplomatic source in Berlin said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had convened a crisis meeting soon after the attack. "There was fighting outside and on the grounds of the consulate," a ministry spokesman said. "Afghan security forces and Resolute Support (NATO) forces from Camp Marmal (German base in Mazar-i-Sharif) are on the scene." Afghan special forces cordoned off the consulate, previously well-known as Mazar Hotel, after the explosion as helicopters flew over the site and ambulances with wailing sirens rushed to the area. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity in Afghanistan as Taliban insurgents ramp up nationwide attacks despite repeated government attempts to jump-start stalled peace negotiations. President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric" attack, calling it a crime against humanity. America's longest war Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the "martyrdom attack" on the consulate had left "tens of invaders" dead. The insurgents routinely exaggerate battlefield claims. Posting a Google Earth image of the consulate on Twitter, Mujahid said the assault was in retaliation for American air strikes in Kunduz. US forces conceded last week that its air strikes "very likely" resulted in civilian casualties in Kunduz, pledging a full investigation into the incident. The strikes killed several children and triggered impassioned protests in Kunduz city, with the victims' relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets. They came after a Taliban assault left two American soldiers and three Afghan special forces soldiers dead near Kunduz city. Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism. The country's worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up air strikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fuelling the perception that they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. The latest attack in Mazar-i-Sharif comes just two days after a bitter US presidential election. Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention in the election campaign -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. President-elect Donald Trump is set to inherit America's longest war with no end in sight. (AFP)

Afghanistan: At least 6 killed, over 100 injured in Taliban attack on German consulate

At least five foreign tourists and their driver were wounded in Afghanistan on Thursday in an attack by gunmen on their convoy as it passed through western Herat province, government officials said.

The group included at least six British citizens, three Americans and a German, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat&#39;s governor. At least three Britons were wounded, but the nationalities of the other victims were not immediately known.

Farhad said security forces had been sent to the scene.

The convoy, reportedly escorted by security forces, was on its way from scenic Bamiyan province in central Afghanistan to the city of Herat when it was attacked, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said.

Both officials described the foreigners as tourists.

Bamiyan, home to two giant statues of Buddha carved into a mountainside and to Afghanistan&#39;s first national park, is one of the country&#39;s more peaceful areas and attracts some of the few tourists who do visit.

Photographs published by local media in Herat showed uniformed men standing around what appeared to be the burned remains of a small bus with a roof rack for luggage.

The group was taken by Italian military helicopters to a NATO medical facility in Herat, according to coalition spokesman Colonel Michael Lawhorn.

They were treated for mostly light injuries, Farhad said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesman for the militants, Zabiullah Mujahid, said on Twitter the group had killed the foreign &quot;invaders&quot; as well as seven &quot;slave&quot; Afghan soldiers.

The British Embassy in Kabul was providing assistance to its citizens affected by the attack and was coordinating with Afghan officials, spokeswoman Jenny Jones said.

A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin said a German national was involved but unharmed in the attack.

The American Embassy did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Several foreign tourism companies advertise adventure tours to Afghanistan, including one British firm which had a trip scheduled to the area in Herat this week.

Afghanistan remains locked in a violent insurgency and Western embassies typically warn their citizens against all but essential travel there, citing threats of attack and kidnapping. 
 
(Reuters)

The group included at least six British citizens, three Americans and a German. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack

At least five foreign tourists and their driver were wounded in Afghanistan on Thursday in an attack by gunmen on their convoy as it passed through western Herat province, government officials said. The group included at least six British citizens, three Americans and a German, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat's governor. At least three Britons were wounded, but the nationalities of the other victims were not immediately known. Farhad said security forces had been sent to the scene. The convoy, reportedly escorted by security forces, was on its way from scenic Bamiyan province in central Afghanistan to the city of Herat when it was attacked, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said. Both officials described the foreigners as tourists. Bamiyan, home to two giant statues of Buddha carved into a mountainside and to Afghanistan's first national park, is one of the country's more peaceful areas and attracts some of the few tourists who do visit. Photographs published by local media in Herat showed uniformed men standing around what appeared to be the burned remains of a small bus with a roof rack for luggage. The group was taken by Italian military helicopters to a NATO medical facility in Herat, according to coalition spokesman Colonel Michael Lawhorn. They were treated for mostly light injuries, Farhad said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesman for the militants, Zabiullah Mujahid, said on Twitter the group had killed the foreign "invaders" as well as seven "slave" Afghan soldiers. The British Embassy in Kabul was providing assistance to its citizens affected by the attack and was coordinating with Afghan officials, spokeswoman Jenny Jones said. A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin said a German national was involved but unharmed in the attack. The American Embassy did not immediately respond to request for comment. Several foreign tourism companies advertise adventure tours to Afghanistan, including one British firm which had a trip scheduled to the area in Herat this week. Afghanistan remains locked in a violent insurgency and Western embassies typically warn their citizens against all but essential travel there, citing threats of attack and kidnapping. (Reuters)

At least 5 foreign tourists, driver wounded in convoy attack in western Afghanistan