Security forces capable of defeating armed opponents

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The Afghan government has said the security forces were capable of defeating the terrorist groups in the country.

A press release issued by the presidential office stated that the criminal enemies of Afghanistan martyred and wounded the sincere sons of the soil during attack on National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Maidan Shahar.

The terrorist groups and their foreign supporters could not damage the morale of the brave security and defence forces of Afghanistan by conducting such attacks.

According to the press release available with Afghan Islamic Press (AIP), President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani has directed the concerned officials to probe the incident and provide prompt assistance to the affected families.

Condemning the attack, the president offered condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured persons.

It is pertinent to mention here that Taliban attacked a base of National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Maidan Shahar, capital of Wardak province at round 7:30 am Monday.

According to health officials, 12 security personnel were killed and 30 more wounded in the attack.

Some of the injured were taken to Kabul. According to health officials, the condition of some of the wounded security personnel was critical.

Security officials in Wardak said a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into the base. Later, three gunmen entered the building. The security forces eliminated the attacks in few moments. The security forces found and defused another explosives-laden vehicle in the area.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the incident, saying three gunmen took part in the attack.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AIP that a fighter, Abdul Hadi Helmandi, exploded an explosives-laden vehicle at the National Directorate of Security base.

After the blast he said two Taliban fighters identified as Hafiz Abdullah Ghaznawi and Hafiz Asadullah Junaid Zabulwal equipped with small and heavy weapons entered the building where they opened fire on the security forces. They continued offering resistance for three hours.

More than 90 NDS operatives including officers were killed and over 100 more wounded in the blast and gunfight, he claimed.

The attack came at a time when Taliban and US representatives are expected to meet in Doha, capital of Qatar Monday to find ways to put an end to war in Afghanistan.

Taliban conducted suicide car bomb attack on the convoy of Logar governor. Eight security guards of the governor were killed and 10 more injured in the bombing.

Governor Muhammad Anwar Ishaqzai and NDS chief escaped unhurt in the incident. However, three vehicles of Ishaqzai were destroyed. (AIP)