Afghan forces repel Taliban attack on Kabul airport

  • 10 years ago
Afghan security forces say all four militants who attacked Kabul International Airport early this morning are dead and that the unrest there is over.

A fierce gunfight ensued with Afghan police and special forces after armed men stormed an empty building just after dawn and began firing on the airport. A car bomb is thought to have helped the militants gain access.

Afghanistan’s Taliban have said they were behind the attack, which lasted for more than four hours.

It was one of the most audacious assaults on the airport, which is used by civilians and the military: it is home to a major operational base for NATO-led forces.

The authorities say the security forces suffered no casualties, the airport was not damaged and all flights diverted elsewhere.

The attack comes at a time of uncertainty in Afghanistan, with votes from the second round of a disputed presidential election due to be counted.

The poll is meant to mark the country’s first democratic transfer of power.

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