Taliban attack American embassy in Kabul on Christmas Day

[Side-Winder]

Rockets fall inside compound in early morning strike as foreigners celebrate holiday in Afghanistan

Two Taliban rockets landed inside the American embassy compound in Kabul early on Christmas day, in a reminder that Afghanistan remains riddled with insecurity even as foreigners marked the festive season.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which included another strike in the city, but caused no casualties.

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

“The Embassy continues to investigate the attack.”

Rocket strikes on the capital have been rare in recent years but 2013 has been marked by a string of suicide attacks on high-profile targets.


Insurgents have stepped up attacks since responsibility for security was passed from Nato to local forces earlier this year.
Next also brings a series of key tests including a presidential election in April and the end of Nato-led combat operations.Another rocket landed near a hill where former kings and members of the old royal family are buried in a mausoleum, a spokesman for the National Directorate of Security told AFP news agency.“One impacted near Maranjan hill, about one mile from the presidential palace. There are no reported casualties,” Lutfullah Mashal said.In a text message to AFP, the Taliban claimed to have caused heavy casualties, but the insurgents regularly make exaggerated claims after attacks.“Today at around 6am four rockets were fired at the US embassy in Kabul. All hit the target (causing) heavy casualties,” Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, said in the message.

Taliban attack American embassy in Kabul on Christmas Day - Telegraph