Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Taliban Attack U.S.-Based Aid Group Office in Afghan Capital, Kill 5
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 6 years ago on
May 8, 2019

Share

KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban fighters attacked the offices of a U.S.-based aid organization in the Afghan capital Wednesday, setting off a huge explosion and battling security forces in an assault that lasted more than six hours and killed at least five people, the Interior Ministry said.

“We are incredibly saddened by this attack and are working as quickly as possible to account for our staff.” — Counterpart International statement

Dozens of civilian vehicles and shops were either destroyed or damaged, and several buildings also were damaged. A large plume of smoke rose from the area and the sound of sporadic gunfire could be heard.

The ministry’s statement said four civilians and a police officer were killed and 24 others were wounded in the assault. It was not immediately clear if any foreigners were killed or wounded.

The ministry’s statement said the attack ended after all five insurgents were killed by Afghan forces. “Around 200 people were rescued from both buildings within the compound,” it said.

The attack targeted U.S.-based aid organization Counterpart International, which has offices near those of the Afghan attorney general, said Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. The group’s offices are in a compound with two five-story buildings.

“We are incredibly saddened by this attack and are working as quickly as possible to account for our staff,” the organization said in a statement on its website. “Their safety and security is our primary concern.”

Photo of an injured man talking on the phone after the explosion in Kabul
An injured man talks on his mobile phone after an explosion Wednesday in Kabul. The Taliban attacked the offices of an international NGO called Counterpart International, in the Afghan capital, in an assault that wounded at least nine people, officials said. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Taliban Said They Would Continue Their Attacks During Ramadan

Johan Bass, U.S. ambassador in Afghanistan, strongly condemned the attack on the NGO. He said the targeted organization helps local communities, trains journalists and supports the Afghan people.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in a statement also condemned the insurgents for deliberately targeting a civilian aid organization.

“Today’s attack was particularly deplorable, hitting civilians helping Afghans.” — United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan statement

“Today’s attack was particularly deplorable, hitting civilians helping Afghans,” the statement said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group attacked the organization because it was involved in “harmful Western activities” inside Afghanistan, without elaborating.

Taliban insurgents stage near-daily attacks on Afghan forces, even as peace efforts have accelerated to find an end to the country’s 17-year war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called for peace with the Taliban last week and promised to free 175 Taliban prisoners ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began Monday.

The Taliban said they would continue their attacks during Ramadan, but would be “very careful of civilians during any operation.”

The insurgents have rejected past cease-fire proposals, saying U.S. and NATO troops must withdraw from the country first. The Taliban also refuse to negotiate directly with the government in Kabul, seeing it as a U.S. puppet.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Italy Has No Indication of Imminent Israeli Attack on Iran

Derek Carr Says Fresno Is Home, as City Honors Bulldog Great

2 hours ago

Fresno Councilmember Warns of Possible ICE Raid at Popular Outdoor Market

3 hours ago

Israel Attacks Iran’s Capital With Explosions Booming Across Tehran

JERUSALEM — Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and ...

50 minutes ago

50 minutes ago

Israel Attacks Iran’s Capital With Explosions Booming Across Tehran

The Firestone Incident near Highway 198 and Firestone Avenue in Coalinga has grown to 50 acres with a critical rate of spread, prompting evacuation orders for Zone P19, warnings for multiple surrounding zones, and a road closure, according to CalFire. (X/CalFire)
2 hours ago

Fresno County Wildfire Threatens Thousands of Acres. Evacuation Order, Warnings Issued

A late-night fire heavily damaged a Fresno home on on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, but all six occupants escaped safely with no injuries. (Fresno FD)
2 hours ago

Fresno Fire’s Helmet Cam Catches Blaze Raging on House, Occupants Escape Safely

2 hours ago

Derek Carr Says Fresno Is Home, as City Honors Bulldog Great

3 hours ago

Fresno Councilmember Warns of Possible ICE Raid at Popular Outdoor Market

U.S. Marines stand with their packs and weapons, as protests against federal immigration sweeps continue, in greater Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 9, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a handout video. (DVIDS/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo)
3 hours ago

Americans Split on Trump’s Use of Military in Immigration Protests, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

Mark Kismet, 50, who is considered at-risk went missing on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Clovis near Harlan Ranch is still missing according to the Clovis Police Department on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Clovis PD)
3 hours ago

Clovis Police Still Searching for Missing At-Risk Man

3 hours ago

Fresno Unified Spends Thousands to Reprint Diplomas With Misty Her’s New Title

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend