Wave of Blasts Rock Afghan Regions: Taliban Claims Responsibility

Posted April 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am (UTC-5)
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Taliban militants in Afghanistan say they are responsible for a wave of attacks in the capital, Kabul and in eastern Ningrahar province.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the coordinated attacks were launched on Sunday as part of a “spring offensive,” and that operations by suicide bombers were still underway.

Witnesses in Kabul say the attacks took place near the parliament building, Western embassies and NATO's headquarters.

Several blasts were following by gunfire and mortar attacks.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul said it is “currently in lockdown” following explosions and gunfire in the area.

Police in the Jalalabad, the provincial capital of Ningrahar province, say suicide attackers targeted the city's airport.

There were no immediate reports of deaths, but there are reports that an undetermined number of people have been wounded.

Afghanistan's interior minister said at least three people have been detained in connection with the attacks.

Witnesses say smoke could be seen seen billowing from buildings, and sirens can be heard throughout the area.